THE SUBJUNCTIVE

The subjunctive mood is the verb form used to express a wish, a suggestion, a command, or a condition that is contrary to fact.

Examples:

• I wish it were still in use.
• (it was becomes it were)
• The board recommended that the motion be passed immediately.
• (motion is passed becomes motion be passed)

The structure of the subjunctive is extremely simple. For all verbs except the past tense of be, the subjunctive is the same as the bare infinitive (infinitive without "to")

Verbs Which Attract the Subjunctive Mood: ask, command, demand, insist, order, recommend, suggest, and wish.

Adjectives Which Attract the Subjunctive Mood: crucial, essential, important, imperative, and necessary.