Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English (A Complete Guide for CAE Learners)

The subjunctive is one of those fascinating corners of English grammar that many learners hear about but rarely feel confident using. Yet, it appears frequently in formal writing, advanced communication, academic English, and Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) tasks. Mastering it will help you sound precise, authoritative, and stylistically mature — exactly what examiners love to see. Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

In this lesson, we’ll explore what the subjunctive is, when we use it, and how to form it correctly, with plenty of natural examples and common CAE-ready expressions.

What Is the Subjunctive?

The subjunctive is a special form of the verb used to talk about:

• necessity

• importance

• recommendations

• suggestions

• unreal or hypothetical situations

• fixed expressions

It is especially common in formal writing and in that-clauses after certain verbs and adjectives.

The good news? It’s much simpler than learners expect.

1. The Subjunctive in That-Clauses

In formal English, after some verbs and adjectives, we use the subjunctive to express importance, necessity, or urgency.

Structure:

Verb/Adjective + that + subject + base form of verb

Notice:

• No -s in the third person.

• No do/does.

• No tense changes.

• The verb stays in the bare infinitive (be, go, come, leave, improve…).

Common verbs that take the subjunctive

These verbs are frequently used in official reports, formal emails, and CAE essays:

• demand

• request

• recommend

• suggest

• insist

• propose

• advise

• urge

Examples:

• The committee recommended that the rules be updated.

• His lawyer insisted that he be released immediately.

• They requested that all mobile phones be switched off during the ceremony.

• The teacher suggested that the presentation start earlier.

Common adjectives followed by the subjunctive

These expressions often appear in academic contexts or formal writing: Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

• essential

• important

• vital

• crucial

• necessary

• imperative

• appropriate

Examples:

• It is essential that she arrive on time for the interview.

• It is imperative that the report be submitted before Friday.

• It is vital that the website load correctly on all devices.

• It is appropriate that he apologise for the inconvenience caused.

2. Subjunctive in Fixed Expressions

English also uses the subjunctive in several traditional expressions that you’ll recognise immediately.

Common fixed expressions

• God save the King!

• Heaven forbid!

• Suffice it to say…

• Long live the Queen!

• Be that as it may…

• Come what may…

• If need be…

Examples in context:

• Heaven forbid anything should happen during the flight.

• Suffice it to say, the project didn’t end well.

• Be that as it may, we still need to follow the guidelines.

These phrases add elegance, tradition, and a literary flavour — perfect for CAE essays and reviews when used sparingly.

3. The Subjunctive in Hypothetical and Unreal Situations

Here, English uses the past subjunctive, although we normally call this “special uses of the past simple”.

The classic example? Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

✔ “If I were…” (not was)

• If I were you, I’d study these expressions carefully.

• If he were more organised, he would finish the project on time.

We use were for all persons in formal or imaginary situations.

Other formal structures:

I wish + past simple

• I wish the lesson were easier.

As if / As though + past simple

• She acts as if she were the manager.

These appear frequently in CAE essays (especially when giving opinions politely).

4. The Subjunctive vs. Should + Base Verb

In British English, especially in formal writing, it’s very natural to use:

It is essential/important/vital that + subject + should + verb

Examples:

• It is essential that every candidate should submit the form on time.

• They suggested that he should apologise formally.

• The university requires that students should register by 30 June.

Subjunctive or should?

Both are correct.
Both are formal.
Both appear in CAE model answers.

The subjunctive sounds more official and concise:
→ They recommended that he apologise.

The should-structure sounds more polite or diplomatic:
→ They recommended that he should apologise.

Use either — just stay consistent.

5. Common CAE-Level Expressions Using the Subjunctive

Here are useful chunks your students can memorise and drop straight into writing tasks.

Expressions with “It is…”

• It is vital that…

• It is crucial that…

• It is recommended that…

• It is imperative that…

• It is in the public interest that…

• It is proposed that…

Examples: Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

• It is crucial that the government take immediate action.

• It is recommended that students practise past papers regularly.

• It is in the public interest that the results be published promptly.

6. Typical Mistakes to Avoid

Learners often slip up here — these are great for exam awareness.

❌ It is important that he goes

✔ It is important that he go

❌ They demanded that the manager is replaced

✔ They demanded that the manager be replaced

❌ It is essential that he will attend

✔ It is essential that he attend

❌ She suggested that I to try

✔ She suggested that I try

7. How to Use the Subjunctive in CAE Writing

Where it helps:

• formal essays

• proposals

• reports

• academic-style articles

• letters of complaint

• recommendations and conclusions

Why examiners like it:

• shows grammatical range

• adds formality

• demonstrates sophistication

• helps you give strong recommendations

CAE Example Sentences to Inspire You

• “In order to improve student wellbeing, it is vital that the school provide more counselling services.”

• “This report recommends that the museum introduce a digital guide for visitors.”

• “It is imperative that more action be taken to protect local wildlife.”

These are perfect upgrades for B2→C1 writing. Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

Conclusion

The subjunctive may seem like an old-fashioned structure, but it remains a powerful tool for formal communication — especially in CAE writing. Used correctly, it helps you express necessity, urgency, and strong recommendations with clarity and confidence. Whether you choose the bare-form subjunctive or the British “should” construction, you’ll sound more advanced, more precise, and far more natural.

Dear eachers, encourage your students to notice these forms in academic texts, news articles, and sample CAE answers — and to start using them in their own writing little by little. As with all things in English, practice is key.

Download the exercise on the subjunctive in PDF here

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