Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English: A Complete Guide for C1 Advanced Learners

The subjunctive and formal expressions in English can sound rather mysterious at first. Many learners hear the word subjunctive and immediately imagine something terribly old-fashioned, dusty, and difficult — the grammar equivalent of a locked Victorian cupboard.

The good news is that the subjunctive is much simpler than it looks.

In modern English, the subjunctive is mainly used in formal, academic, legal, official, and exam-style writing. It helps us express importance, necessity, recommendations, demands, wishes, and unreal situations in a precise and elegant way.

For C1 Advanced learners, the subjunctive is especially useful in:

• formal essays
• reports
• proposals
• letters of complaint
• academic-style writing
• recommendations and conclusions

Used well, it can make your English sound more mature, accurate, and sophisticated.

What is the Subjunctive in English?

The subjunctive is a special verb form used after certain verbs and expressions to talk about things that are important, necessary, recommended, demanded, or imagined.

Look at this sentence:

• The manager insisted that the report be finished by Friday.

Notice that we say:

• be finished

not:

• is finished
• will be finished
• should be finished

This is the subjunctive form.

The most important thing to remember is this:

The Present Subjunctive Uses the Base Form of the Verb

The present subjunctive uses the base form of the verb for all subjects.

he goes	that he go
she arrives	that she arrive
it is	that it be
they are	that they be

This means there is:

• no -s in the third person
• no do / does
• no change for past, present or future meaning
• no to before the verb

Compare:

• She arrives on time.
• It is essential that she arrive on time.
• He is present at the meeting.
• They requested that he be present at the meeting.

The Subjunctive in That-Clauses

The most common use of the subjunctive in English is in that-clauses after verbs and adjectives expressing importance, necessity, advice, or recommendation.

Structure

verb / adjective + that + subject + base form of the verb

• The committee recommended that the rules be changed.
• The teacher suggested that the exam start earlier.
• They demanded that the company take responsibility.
• It is vital that every student understand the instructions.

This structure is formal, so you are more likely to see it in written English than casual conversation.

Common Verbs Followed by the Subjunctive

These verbs are often followed by the subjunctive:

• recommend
• suggest
• insist
• demand
• request
• propose
• advise
• urge
• require
• ask

Examples:

• The report recommends that the school introduce healthier lunches.
• The lawyer insisted that the evidence be reviewed again.
• The university requires that all students submit their applications online.
• The council proposed that the old building be restored rather than demolished.
• The doctor advised that he reduce his workload immediately.

Notice the grammar:

• that the school introduce
• not introduces
• that the evidence be reviewed
• not is reviewed
• that all students submit
• not submitted or will submit

Common Adjectives Followed by the Subjunctive

The subjunctive is also common after adjectives that express necessity or importance.

Useful adjectives include:

• essential
• important
• vital
• crucial
• necessary
• imperative
• advisable
• desirable
• appropriate

Examples:

• It is essential that every candidate arrive on time.
• It is important that the information be accurate.
• It is vital that the website load quickly on mobile phones.
• It is imperative that the matter be dealt with immediately.
• It is appropriate that he apologise for the inconvenience caused.

These structures are excellent for C1 Advanced writing because they allow you to make strong recommendations in a formal way.

The Passive Subjunctive

The passive subjunctive is very common in formal English.

Structure

that + subject + be + past participle

Examples:

• It is recommended that the policy be reviewed every year.
• They requested that the documents be sent by email.
• It is essential that all complaints be handled professionally.
• The committee proposed that the building be renovated.

This form is particularly useful in reports and proposals because it sounds objective and formal.

Compare:

• We should review the policy every year.

This is clear, but quite direct.

• It is recommended that the policy be reviewed every year.

This sounds more formal and suitable for a report.

The Subjunctive vs Should + Base Verb

In British English, we often use should + base verb instead of the bare subjunctive.

Both forms are correct.

It is essential that he attend the meeting.	It is essential that he should attend the meeting.
They recommended that she apply again.	They recommended that she should apply again.
It is vital that the results be checked.	It is vital that the results should be checked.

The bare subjunctive often sounds more concise and official:

• They recommended that he resign.

The should structure may sound a little more natural in British English:

• They recommended that he should resign.

For C1 Advanced writing, you can use either form. The most important thing is to use it accurately and consistently.

Normal English vs Formal English

In everyday English, people often avoid the subjunctive and use simpler structures.

I think he should apologise.	I suggest that he apologise.
We need to change the rules.	It is essential that the rules be changed.
The school should offer more support.	It is recommended that the school offer more support.
They must deal with the problem quickly.	It is imperative that the problem be dealt with quickly.

This does not mean that everyday English is wrong. It simply means that formal writing often uses more precise and impersonal structures.

Fixed Expressions with the Subjunctive

The subjunctive also appears in some traditional fixed expressions.

Common examples include:

• God save the King!
• Heaven forbid!
• Long live the King!
• Suffice it to say…
• Be that as it may…
• Come what may…
• If need be…
• Far be it from me to…

Examples in context:

• Suffice it to say, the meeting did not go as planned.
• Be that as it may, we still need to follow the rules.
• Come what may, she is determined to finish the course.
• If need be, we can extend the deadline by a few days.

These expressions can add elegance and style, but use them sparingly. In exam writing, one well-chosen formal expression is impressive; five in one paragraph may sound as if you have swallowed a legal dictionary.

The Past Subjunctive: If I Were

The subjunctive is also used in unreal or hypothetical situations.

The most common example is:

If I were you…

In formal English, we use were for all persons:

• If I were you, I would revise this grammar carefully.
• If he were more organised, he would finish his work on time.
• If the situation were different, we could consider another solution.

In informal English, many people say If I was, especially in conversation. However, in formal writing and exams, If I were is safer and more elegant.

Wish, If Only, As If and As Though

We also use similar unreal forms after wish, if only, as if, and as though.

• I wish I were more confident when speaking English.
• If only the instructions were clearer.
• She speaks as if she were an expert on the subject.
• He behaved as though nothing were wrong.

These structures are useful when expressing regret, criticism, or imaginary situations.

How to Use the Subjunctive in C1 Advanced Writing

The subjunctive and formal expressions in English are especially useful in C1 Advanced writing because they help you sound more precise and academic.

You can use them in conclusions, recommendations, and formal arguments.

In an essay

• It is vital that governments invest more in public transport if cities are to become more sustainable.
• It is essential that young people be taught how to evaluate online information critically.

In a report

• It is recommended that the college introduce more flexible study areas.
• This report proposes that the library be kept open for longer during exam periods.

In a proposal

• I suggest that the school organise regular workshops on mental health and exam stress.
• It is advisable that students be given clearer guidance before choosing their subjects.

In a formal letter

• I request that the matter be investigated as soon as possible.
• It is important that customers receive accurate information before making a purchase.

Useful C1 Advanced Sentence Starters

You can learn these as ready-made formal chunks:

• It is essential that…
• It is vital that…
• It is crucial that…
• It is imperative that…
• It is recommended that…
• It is proposed that…
• It is advisable that…
• I suggest that…
• This report recommends that…
• The committee proposes that…
• It is in the public interest that…

Examples:

• It is crucial that schools provide practical support for students under pressure.
• It is recommended that all candidates familiarise themselves with the exam format.
• This report recommends that the company improve its customer service procedures.
• It is in the public interest that the results be published transparently.

Common Mistakes with the Subjunctive

Here are some mistakes learners often make.

Mistake 1: Adding -s

Incorrect:

• It is important that he goes to the meeting.

Correct:

• It is important that he go to the meeting.

Also correct in British English:

• It is important that he should go to the meeting.

Mistake 2: Using is instead of be

Incorrect:

• They demanded that the manager is replaced.

Correct:

• They demanded that the manager be replaced.

Mistake 3: Using will after that

Incorrect:

• It is essential that he will attend the interview.

Correct:

• It is essential that he attend the interview.

Mistake 4: Using to + infinitive

Incorrect:

• She suggested that I to apply again.

Correct:

• She suggested that I apply again.

Mistake 5: Forgetting the passive form

Incorrect:

• It is recommended that the rules are changed.

Correct:

• It is recommended that the rules be changed.

Mini Practice: Subjunctive and Formal Expressions

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. It is essential that every student __________ the instructions carefully.
   (read)
2. The committee recommended that the proposal __________ immediately.
   (accept)
3. The manager insisted that the report __________ ready by Monday.
   (be)
4. It is vital that the website __________ properly on mobile devices.
   (work)
5. They requested that all applications __________ online.
   (submit)
6. If I __________ you, I would choose the more formal option.
   (be)
7. The school suggested that parents __________ the meeting if possible.
   (attend)
8. It is imperative that the problem __________ before the end of the week.
   (solve)

Answer Key: 1. read, 2. be accepted, 3. be, 4. work, 5. be submitted, 6. were, 7. attend, 8. be solved

Download more extensive exercise on the subjunctive in PDF here.

Final Thoughts on Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

The subjunctive may seem old-fashioned at first, but it is still very much alive in formal English. You will find it in academic writing, official documents, reports, proposals, formal emails, and advanced exam tasks.

For C1 Advanced learners, the subjunctive is a valuable tool because it helps you express recommendations, necessity, importance, and unreal situations with greater precision.

You do not need to use it in every sentence. In fact, you should not. However, if you can use structures such as It is vital that…, It is recommended that…, and I suggest that… accurately, your formal writing will immediately sound more advanced and polished.

As with all grammar, the best approach is simple: notice it, practise it, and use it little by little. Come what may, your English will be all the stronger for it.

Related posts:

Wishes and Regrets in English 

Grammatical Patterns after Reporting Verbs 

How to Write a Proposal in English

Expressing Opinions and Arguments in English 

Linking Words to Express Opinion 

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FAQ on Subjunctive and Formal Expressions in English

What is the subjunctive in English?

The subjunctive is a special verb form used in formal English after verbs and expressions of importance, necessity, suggestion, recommendation or demand.

Is the subjunctive common in British English?

Yes, but British English often uses should + base verb instead of the bare subjunctive. Both forms are correct in formal English.

Is the subjunctive useful for C1 Advanced?

Yes. The subjunctive is useful in C1 Advanced essays, reports, proposals and formal letters because it helps learners sound more precise and sophisticated.

What is an example of the subjunctive?

An example is: It is essential that he arrive on time. The verb arrive stays in the base form.

Can I say “It is important that he should go”?

Yes. This structure is common in British English and is a natural alternative to It is important that he go.