Lesson

Should in that-clauses, the present subjunctive

Subjunctive reporting

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Should in that-clauses & the Present Subjunctive

This lesson explains two ways English expresses necessity, recommendation or demand in 'that'-clauses: the present subjunctive and the use of 'should' inside the clause. Both forms follow verbs and adjectives that express importance, recommendation, insistence or demand.

  • Present subjunctive: that + subject + base verb (e.g., 'They requested that she attend.')
  • Should in that-clauses (more common in British English): that + subject + should + base verb (e.g., 'They requested that she should attend.')
  • American English generally prefers the subjunctive without 'should'; both forms can express recommendation or necessity

Table

Subjunctive vs 'should' in that-clauses

Structure Meaning / Use Example
that + subject + base verb (present subjunctive) Formal necessity, demand, recommendation (preferred in American English) The manager insisted that the report be submitted by Friday.
that + subject + should + base verb Alternative form (common in British English); expresses the same idea of obligation/recommendation The committee recommended that she should lead the project.
that + subject + verb(+s) Indicative present — often incorrect in formal recommendations; can sound informal or incorrect Incorrect: The CEO requested that the team completes the task.
that + subject + to-infinitive Incorrect after verbs of demand/recommendation; avoids the subjunctive and is ungrammatical in formal contexts Incorrect: They demanded that he to sign the contract.

Tip

Key rule: Use the base verb after 'that' for formal recommendations

When a verb or adjective expresses necessity, request, recommendation, demand or insistence, follow 'that' with the base form of the verb (the present subjunctive). In British English you may also include 'should' before the base verb, but this is optional.

  • Formal: recommend/request/insist + that + subject + base verb -> 'They insisted that he be present.'
  • British alternative: that + subject + should + base verb -> 'They insisted that he should be present.'
  • Avoid using the to-infinitive or the present indicative (+s) after verbs of recommendation in formal writing

In American English, prefer the subjunctive without 'should' in formal business contexts.

Example

Examples in context

The board recommended that she take charge of the new division.

It's essential that all employees be informed of the new policy.

We suggested that he should attend the conference next week.

They demanded that the contract be reviewed by legal counsel before signing.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors when using 'that'-clauses with recommendation or necessity. Avoid these universal mistakes:

  • Using the to-infinitive after 'that' (wrong): 'They required that he to submit the report.'
  • Using the present indicative with -s after third person (wrong in formal contexts): 'She insisted that he submits the documents.'
  • Confusing tense: don't use past tense forms inside a present recommendation clause: 'They demanded that he submitted the files.'
  • Mixing forms without consistency: do not follow a recommendation verb with an unrelated modal (e.g., 'They suggested that he might to go')

Focus on the verb immediately after the subject in the 'that' clause: use the base verb for the subjunctive or 'should' + base for the British alternative.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on the verb form directly after 'that' in formal requests.

Quiz

Complete: It is crucial that the shipment _____ on time.

Hint: Think about the base form of the verb used after 'that' for necessity

Quiz

Which sentence is grammatically correct in British English as an alternative to the subjunctive?

Hint: Look for 'that' + subject + should + base verb as the British alternative

Key Points

GrammarPoint

present subjunctive

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ˈprɛzənt səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv//

A verb form that uses the base verb after 'that' to express necessity, request, recommendation or demand.

The director insisted that the proposal be revised.

GrammarPoint

should (in that-clauses)

modal verb CEFR B2 //ʃʊd//

A modal used inside a that-clause (especially in British English) as an alternative to the subjunctive: 'that + subject + should + base verb'.

The committee suggested that he should lead the meeting.

Vocabulary

recommend

verb CEFR B1 //ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd//

To advise that someone or something is suitable or the best option.

I recommend that you review the contract with a lawyer.

Vocabulary

insist

verb CEFR B2 //ɪnˈsɪst//

To demand something firmly or persist in a statement or action.

She insisted that the issue be resolved before the audit.

Vocabulary

demand

verb CEFR B2 //dɪˈmænd//

To ask for something forcefully and authoritatively.

They demanded that the vendor provide proof of compliance.

GrammarPoint

base form (bare infinitive)

grammar_point CEFR B1 //beɪs fɔːrm//

The verb in its simplest form without 'to' or inflection (e.g., 'be', 'go', 'submit'), used in the subjunctive after 'that'.

The HR director requested that all staff complete the training.