Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using the subjunctive with adjectives of obligation | page 2 of 5 |
To make or report a suggestion
When adjectives are used to make suggestions and to give advice, they are used in a special pattern in which the modal should is omitted, creating a rather formal effect:
It is desirable that people [^] not be treated harshly by one bishop and with mercy by a neighbouring bishop. Therefore, a common policy is needed. (Microconcord Corpus B)
It is desirable that people [should] not be treated harshly by one bishop and with mercy by a neighbouring bishop.
For further information about omitting words, see 
Developing
cohesion: Ellipsis.
When using a subjunctive form to make a suggestion, the speaker can refer to a third party (as in the above examples), or directly to the hearer:
Patients are normally woken at 6.45 pm so it is important that you have a good night's sleep and for this reason you will be asked to settle down for the night at 10.00 pm. (Bank of English)
Note that the subjunctive can also be used with a small number of verbs and nouns of obligation:
The jury which convicted a confessed devil-worshipper, Richard Ramirez, of 13 Night Stalker murders has recommended that he be executed.
(Microconcord Corpus A)
The design incorporates recommendations that sewers be built to carry most of the sewage flows away from the area during construction.
(SCMP 13/7/92)
To make or report a suggestion
