Reporting verb + THAT-clause with the present subjunctive
verb + that-clause with present subjunctive
The present subjunctive can be used in a that-clause instead of should + infinitive in formal and literary styles.
| Reporting verbs used with a that-clause with the present subjunctive | |
|---|---|
| advise agree demand insist prefer |
propose recommend request suggest urge |
Carlos: I think you should visit a specialist.
Carlos advised that I visit a specialist.
Susan: Yes, you are right, Harry. You'd better accept that offer.
Susan agreed that Harry accept the offer.
Customer: I want you to give me a full refund.
The customer demanded that the company give him a full refund.
Mike: You really must try my new muffin recipe.
Mike insisted that I try his new muffin recipe.
Howard: I'd rather you came to my party, and not to Ryan's.
Howard preferred that I go to his party.
Jill: How about going to the sauna tonight?
Jill proposed/recommended/suggested that we go to the sauna.
Employees: Could we have the staff meeting on Tuesday instead?
The employees requested that the staff meeting be on Tuesday.
Green activists: The nuclear plant must immediately be shut down.
Green activists urged that the nuclear plant be shut down.
