TOEFL PREPARATION MODUL from BARRON : Problem with Subjunctive
*Problem with Subjunctive
Some verbs, nouns, and expressions require a subjunctive. A subjunctive is a change in the usual form of the verb. A subjunctive is often a verb word in English.
9. Importance-Subjunctive Verbs
Remember that the following verbs are used before that and the verb word clause to express importance.
ask recommend
demand request
desire require
insist suggest
prefer urge
propose
S + V + that + S + verb word
Ex: Mr. Jhonson prefers that she speak with him personally
Avoid using a present or past tense verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Note: The verb insist may be used in non-subjunctive patterns in the past tense. For example: He insisted that I was wrong.
Example :
INCORRECT : The doctor suggested that she will not smoke.
CORRECT : The doctor suggested that she not smoke.
INCORRECT : I propose that the vote is secret ballot.
CORRECT :I propose that the vote be secret ballot.
INCORRECT : The foreign student advisor recommended that she studied more English before enrolling at the university.
CORRECT :The foreign student advisor recommended that she study more English before enrolling at the university.
INCORRECT : The law requires that everyone has his car checked at least once a year.
CORRECT :The law requires that everyone have his car checked at least once a year.
INCORRECT : She insisted that they would give her a receipt.
CORRECT :She insisted that they glve her a receipt.
Exercise :
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
Less moderate members of Congress are insisting that changes in the Social Security System
... made.
a. will
b. are
c. being
d. be
Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.
Many (a) architects prefer that a dome is used (b) to roof buildings that need to conserve(c) floor space (d).
10. Importance-Impersonal Expressions
Remember that the following adjectives are used in impersonal expressions.
essential
imperative
important
necessary
It is + important + infinitive
Ex: it is important to verify the data
It is + adjective + that + S + verb word
Ex : It is important that the data be verified
Avoid using a present tense verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using a modal before the verb word.
Example :
INCORRECT : It is not necessary that you must take an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
CORRECT : It is not necessary to take an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
or
It is not necessary that you take an entrance examination to be admitted to an American university.
INCORRECT : It is imperative that you are on time.
CORRECT : It is imperative to on time.
or
It is imperative that you be on time.
INCORRECT : It is important that I will speak with Mr. Williams immediately.
CORRECT : It is important to Speak with Mr. Williams immediately.
or
It is important that I speak with Mr. Williams immediately.
INCORRECT : It is imperative that your signature appears on your identification card.
CORRECT : It is imperative to sign your identification card.
or
It is imperative that your signature appear on your identification card.
INCORRECT : It is essential that all applications and transcripts are filed no later than July 1.
CORRECT : It is essential to file all applications and transcripts no later than July 1.
or
It is essential that all applications and transcripts be filed no later than July 1.
Exercises :
Part A: Choose the correct answer.
It is necessary ... the approaches to a bridge, the road design, and the alignment in such a
way as to best accommodate the expected traffic flow over and under it.
a. plan
b. to plan
c. planning
d. the plan
Part B: Choose the incorrect word or phrase and correct it.
It is essential that vitamins are (a) supplied either by foods or (b) by supplementary (c) tablets for normal growth to occur (d).