Grammar: subjunctive and wishes

Vocabulary in this set

Practise ten common patterns for formal recommendations, unreal situations, and wishes.

1. suggest that + base verb

   Expression

   introduce a suggestion using the unchanged base form of the verb

   Suggest that + base verb: I suggest that she arrive early.

2. recommend that + base verb

   Expression

   make a formal recommendation about an action

   Recommend that + base verb: We recommend that he take the earlier train.

3. propose that + base verb

   Expression

   present a formal proposal for action

   Propose that + base verb: They propose that the meeting begin at nine.

4. it is crucial that + base verb

   Expression

   state that an action is critically important

   It is crucial that + base verb: It is crucial that every member be present.

5. it is necessary that + base verb

   Expression

   state that an action is necessary

   It is necessary that + base verb: It is necessary that she speak to the manager.

6. it is preferable that + base verb

   Expression

   state that one action is preferred

   It is preferable that + base verb: It is preferable that you arrive early.

7. if I were

   Phrase

   describe an imaginary or unreal present situation

   If I were you, I would ask for more time.

8. I wish + were

   Expression

   wish that a present situation were different

   I wish + were: I wish he were here with us.

9. I wish + had + past participle

   Expression

   express regret about a past event

   I wish + had + past participle: I wish we had booked the tickets earlier.

10. had + subject + past participle

    Expression

    use formal inversion for an unreal past condition

    Had + subject + past participle: Had she known, she would have attended.