Formal structures and the subjunctive
It's essential that he be…, I'd rather you didn't…, it's high time… and as if.
Formal writing – reports, proposals, essays – uses some special structures. They look strange at first, but they're easy marks once you know them.
The subjunctive
After verbs and adjectives of necessity or suggestion, use the base form for all subjects.
Unreal past
Past forms with a present meaning.
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
TIME
It's high time we went home.
It's high time + past simple.
RATHER
I'd rather you didn't tell anyone about this.
Would rather + someone + past.
ESSENTIAL
It is essential that all staff attend the meeting.
It's essential that + base form.
Common mistakes
- ✗ I suggest him to take a break.✓ I suggest that he take a break. / I suggest taking a break.Suggest + that + base form, or suggest + -ing – never suggest someone to.
- ✗ It's time we go.✓ It's time we went.It's time + past simple.
- ✗ I'd rather you don't come.✓ I'd rather you didn't come.Would rather + someone + past simple.
In a report or proposal, 'I recommend that the council invest in…' (no -s!) sounds impressively formal. And in Part 4, 'we should … now' is often 'It's (high) time we + past'.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
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