Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using the subjunctive with adjectives of obligation | page 1 of 5 |
Introduction
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.
When making suggestions or proposals (especially in formal situations), or when
referring to obligations, speakers sometimes use a special form of the verb (referred to
as the
subjunctive 
)
together with adjectives of obligation in order to emphasise the speaker's wishes or
desires:
As part of the school curriculum, I believe it's vital that there be a time set aside for the teaching of ethics, morality and comparative religion.
(Bank of English)
Note that the subjunctive can also be used with a small number of verbs and nouns of obligation:
A coroner's jury yesterday recommended that doctors be more careful in examining patients, particularly in accident and emergency units, following the death of a man from a skull fracture. (SCMP 12/9/92)
China is still operating an oil drilling platform just 70 nautical miles from Vietnam's northern shore, despite Hanoi's vehement demand that it be removed. (SCMP 18/9/92)
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Introduction
To make or report a suggestion
