presentsubjunctive

The present subjunctive is a grammatical mood used to express attitudes such as doubt, wish, necessity, possibility, or unreality in the present time frame, typically within dependent clauses. Its productive use varies by language; in English it is comparatively limited and largely confined to formal contexts.

In English, the present subjunctive usually uses the base form of the verb after a verb or expression of suggestion, demand, instruction, or necessity in a that-clause. For most verbs the form is identical to the base form (go, sit, take), and the verb be remains be rather than is. Examples: “It is essential that he be here,” “I insist that she go,” “I request that they arrive on time.” The subjunctive contrasts with the present indicative, and many modern speakers replace it with the indicative or with should, especially in less formal speech.

In other languages, the present subjunctive is more widespread. Spanish uses a distinct present subjunctive with its own endings in subordinate clauses after verbs of doubt, emotion, desire, or after impersonal expressions: “Espero que vengas.” French also has a present subjunctive, formed from the verb stem with specific endings, used after certain conjunctions and verbs of necessity or emotion: “Il faut que tu viennes.” Similar systems exist in Italian, Portuguese, and other Romance languages, often with robust, productive forms.