The Subjunctive

We use the subjunctive to stress the importance or urgency of an action. The subjunctive uses the base form of a verb.

The manager insisted that he work late.

It is important that you be at the meeting.

The subjunctive is used with certain verbs and expressions, like the following:

ask / request / demand / require / insist /suggest / recommend / urge

it is essential

it is imperative

it is important

it is necessary

The subjunctive follows the sentence pattern:

verb or expression + that + subject + (not) base verb

It is essential that you dress appropriately.

She asked that we not be late.

I’d Like You + Infinitive /

I Want You + Infinitive

Two common phrases used to express a desire that someone do something are

I’d like you + infinitive and

I want you + infinitive.

I’d like you to help with this project.

I want you to finish the report this afternoon.