Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
1The chair insisted that the minutes ............... verbatim, despite the objections from the PR team.
Wrong!
After verbs like insist, formal English uses the mandative subjunctive base form, often in the passive.
2It is essential that every applicant ............... the declaration in ink, not pencil.
Wrong!
After it is essential that, the mandative subjunctive uses the base form of the verb.
3The judge ordered that the witness ............... from discussing the case with the press.
Wrong!
After ordered that, formal English uses the mandative subjunctive base form; in the passive this is be plus past participle.
4The policy requires that any refund ............... within five working days of approval.
Wrong!
After requires that, the mandative subjunctive base form is used; in the passive this is be plus past participle.
5The dean recommended that she ............... a leave of absence rather than fail the year.
Wrong!
Recommended that takes the mandative subjunctive base form, not a past tense.
6The contract stipulates that the tenant ............... written consent before subletting.
Wrong!
Stipulates that is followed by the base form in the mandative subjunctive.
7If I ............... in your position, I would disclose the conflict of interest immediately.
Wrong!
In hypothetical conditionals, were is the traditional subjunctive form with I.
8He spoke as though he ............... the final say, which irritated the whole committee.
Wrong!
As though for an unreal situation traditionally takes the past subjunctive were.
9Be that as it may, we ............... proceed with the audit until the figures are verified.
Wrong!
This fixed subjunctive formula is often followed by a modal expressing inability or constraint.
10The CEO demanded that the report ............... on her desk by noon, not after lunch.
Wrong!
Demanded that takes the mandative subjunctive; in the passive this is be plus past participle.
11The board suggested that the merger ............... until the regulators respond.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Suggested that can take the mandative subjunctive (be delayed) or should plus base verb (should be delayed) in formal English.
12It is vital that the data ............... encrypted at rest and in transit.
Wrong!
After it is vital that, formal English uses the mandative subjunctive; in the passive this is be plus past participle.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- The chair insisted that the minutes be recorded verbatim, despite the objections from the PR team.
- It is essential that every applicant sign the declaration in ink, not pencil.
- The judge ordered that the witness be prohibited from discussing the case with the press.
- The policy requires that any refund be issued within five working days of approval.
- The dean recommended that she take a leave of absence rather than fail the year.
- The contract stipulates that the tenant obtain written consent before subletting.
- If I were in your position, I would disclose the conflict of interest immediately.
- He spoke as though he were the final say, which irritated the whole committee.
- Be that as it may, we cannot proceed with the audit until the figures are verified.
- The CEO demanded that the report be placed on her desk by noon, not after lunch.
- The board suggested that the merger should be delayed/be delayed until the regulators respond.
- It is vital that the data be encrypted at rest and in transit.
