Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
The committee insists that the final report ............... submitted by noon, regardless of delays.
Wrong!
After verbs like insist in formal English, we often use the mandative subjunctive: base verb form.
It is essential that every applicant ............... a valid passport at the interview.
Wrong!
After It is essential that, formal English typically uses the base verb form (have).
The judge ordered that the witness ............... removed from the courtroom immediately.
Wrong!
After ordered that, the formal mandative subjunctive uses the base verb (be).
The policy requires that all expenses ............... itemised on the claim form.
Wrong!
After requires that, formal English uses the base verb form (be) in passive structures.
The chair recommended that the proposal ............... revised before publication.
Wrong!
After recommended that, the mandative subjunctive uses the base verb (be) in passive voice.
The director requested that Mr Patel ............... present at the signing, not represented by a deputy.
Wrong!
After requested that, formal English uses the base verb (be) for the subjunctive.
I would rather she ............... the issue in writing, given how sensitive it is.
Wrong!
After would rather, we use past simple to express preference about someone else.
If I ............... in your position, I would decline the offer on principle.
Wrong!
In formal hypothetical conditionals, we use were with I for an unreal present situation.
The minister spoke as though the decision ............... already irreversible, despite ongoing talks.
Wrong!
After as though for an unreal situation, formal English often uses were.
Be that as it may, we cannot approve the budget unless the figures ............... independently verified.
Wrong!
In formal fixed expressions like Be that as it may, the following clause still needs correct grammar and here it requires passive agreement.
The guidance suggests that each participant ............... their phone switched off during the briefing.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
After suggests that, the mandative subjunctive (base verb) and should plus verb are both acceptable in formal English.
The union demanded that the company ............... a written apology within 24 hours.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
After demanded that, the mandative subjunctive (base verb) and should plus verb are both acceptable in formal English.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- The committee insists that the final report be submitted by noon, regardless of delays.
- It is essential that every applicant have a valid passport at the interview.
- The judge ordered that the witness be removed from the courtroom immediately.
- The policy requires that all expenses be itemised on the claim form.
- The chair recommended that the proposal be revised before publication.
- The director requested that Mr Patel be present at the signing, not represented by a deputy.
- I would rather she addressed the issue in writing, given how sensitive it is.
- If I were in your position, I would decline the offer on principle.
- The minister spoke as though the decision were already irreversible, despite ongoing talks.
- Be that as it may, we cannot approve the budget unless the figures are independently verified.
- The guidance suggests that each participant keep their phone switched off during the briefing.
The guidance suggests that each participant should keep their phone switched off during the briefing. - The union demanded that the company issue a written apology within 24 hours.
The union demanded that the company should issue a written apology within 24 hours.
