31Let’s do some more.
The teacher suggested that the students study every night throughout the week rather than cramming for the
test the night before.
An easy check to see if subjunctive is being used properly is to stick a “to” in front of the second verb and see if
it forms an infinitive: “to study” – yes! So the subjunctive is formed correctly.
Let’s try another:
It is essential that she be full when taking her medicine.
We have our subjunctive tip off “it is essential” and we have a “that” and we have a second subject “she” so
let’s check our second verb (the subjunctive). Stick a “to” before the “be” – “to be full” – great! In this example,
“be” is an infinitive without the “to.”
Subjunctive Usage #2: There is a second application of the subjunctive that is used to indicate a prediction,
hypothetical, or wish.
If I were a rich girl, then I would have all the money in the world.
This type of subjunctive use comes into play with “if...then” phrases.
- The “if” phrase requires a “were.” (If I were a rich girl...)
- The “then” phrase requires a “would” followed by the infinitive without the “to.” (then I would
have...) - Let’s check the “have” in this example. “To have” – that’s the infinitive so “would have” works!
Sometimes the “then” is implied, not stated.
So we could rewrite the sentence: If I were a rich girl, I would have all the money in the world.
I could also flip-flop the “if...then” phrases: I would have all the money in the world if I were a rich girl.
OR I could leave the “if” out too: Were I a rich girl, I would have all the money in the world!
Let’s do one more:
If I were to move to Hawaii, I would live in Maui.
Is there a “were” in the “if” phrase? Yes!
- notice how the “were” in this sentence is followed by the infinitive “to move.” If a verb follows
the “were” it must be in infinitive form. So if ETS had - “If I were moving to Hawaii...” that
would be incorrect.