Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the base form of a verb after words of suggestion, demand, or necessity to sound professional and precise.
- Use the base verb (no -s, no -ed) after 'that' in suggestions: 'I suggest that he stay.'
- For negatives, put 'not' directly before the verb: 'I recommend that she not leave.'
- The verb 'be' stays as 'be' for all subjects: 'It is vital that they be informed.'
Overview
I suggest that... や It is essential that... といった、提案や要求、必要性を表す表現において、この「仮定法」の知識は不可欠です。If I were a bird... （もし私が鳥だったら）という「仮定法過去」のイメージが強いかもしれません。しかし、実務的なビジネス、学術論文、あるいは法的な文書において、この「仮定法現在」は極めて頻繁に使用されます。この文法を使いこなすことは、単に文法的に正しい英語を書くということ以上の意味を持ちます。それは、発言の「客観性」や「重要性」、そして「プロフェッショナルな響き」をコントロールする力を手に入れるということです。that 節内の動詞が、主語が何であっても、また時制がいつであっても、常に「原形（base form）」になるという点です。これは、日本人学習者が長年かけて習得した「三単現の s」や「時制の一致」というルールを一時的に「無視」することを意味するため、非常に違和感を覚えやすいポイントです。He studies every day. | (該当なし) |He should study every day. | (助動詞を使用) |I suggest that he study every day. |he studies ではなく he study という特殊な形にスイッチが入るのです。[主節の主語] + [提案・要求の動詞/形容詞] + that + [従属節の主語] + [動詞の原形]suggest(提案する)recommend(勧める)insist(強く主張する)demand(要求する)request(依頼する)propose(提案する)urge(促す)stipulate(規定する)
The manager insisted that she be present at the meeting.she is でも she was でもありません。be 動詞の原形である be が使われます。essential(不可欠な)important(重要な)necessary(必要な)vital(極めて重要な)crucial(決定的な)imperative(必須の)advisable(望ましい)
It is vital that every employee follow the safety protocols.every employee は単数扱いですが、follows ではなく follow になります。do/does/did は使いません。- 否定形:
not+ 動詞の原形 I suggest that he not sign the contract yet.(彼がまだ契約に署名しないよう提案します。)- 受動態:
be+ 過去分詞 The committee recommended that the proposal be revised.(委員会は、その提案が修正されるよう勧告した。)
should を使うよりも「客観的な必要性」を際立たせることができます。The legal department requests that all contracts be reviewed by Friday.
should be reviewed と言うことも可能ですが、仮定法現在を使うことで、個人の意見というよりは「組織としての規定・要求」というニュアンスが強まります。The findings suggest that the treatment be administered twice daily.
The bylaws require that a quorum be present for any vote.
insist や demand と共に使うことで、感情的にならずに「譲れない条件」を提示できます。I must insist that he apologize for his remarks.
he/she/it なら動詞に s を付ける」と叩き込まれてきました。そのため、I suggest that he go... と書くことに強い抵抗を感じてしまいます。- Incorrect:
It is important that she finishes the report. - Correct:
It is important that she finish the report.
that 節内は「治外法権」だと考えましょう。should の過剰使用should を入れたくなります。- Common:
I suggest that we should start early. - Advanced (Subjunctive):
I suggest that we start early.
should を入れるのは間違いではありません（特にイギリス英語では一般的です）。しかし、アメリカ英語やよりフォーマルな文書では、should を抜いた純粋な仮定法現在の方が「洗練された、プロフェッショナルな」印象を与えます。C1レベルを目指すなら、あえて should を使わずに表現する練習をしましょう。insist や suggest)- Fact (直説法):
He insisted that he was innocent.(彼は自分が無実だと[事実を]主張した。) - Demand (仮定法):
He insisted that she be innocent.(彼は彼女が無実である[べきだ/という扱いにしろと]主張した。)
I suggest that he work harder. | 最もフォーマル。客観的な提案。 |I suggest that he should work harder. | 一般的。ややアドバイスに近い響き。 |I suggest (that) he works harder. | インフォーマル。口語でよく使われる。 |I advise him to work harder. | 特定の個人に対する直接的なアドバイス。 |suggestはto doを取れない: 日本語の「〜するように勧める」につられてI suggest him to goと言ってしまうミスが非常に多いですが、suggestは不定詞を目的語に取れません。この場合、必ずthat節（仮定法現在）かV-ingを使う必要があります。insist onとの書き換え:He insisted that the meeting be postponed.はHe insisted on postponing the meeting.と書き換え可能です。動名詞を使う方が少しカジュアルになります。
be 動詞の場合、am/is/are は絶対に使わないのですか？be です。It is essential that you be there. のようになります。you are と言うと、それは「あなたがそこにいるという事実」を述べることになってしまい、文脈が合いません。should ばかりを使っていると、幼い、あるいは主観的すぎる印象を与えることがあります。上級者にとっては「必須の武器」です。that 節内の動詞は「原形」のままです。これを「時制の一致の例外」と呼びます。Yesterday, the doctor recommended that he take a rest.
took にしてはいけません。勧めた内容（休息をとること）は、その時点ではまだ実現していない「概念」だからです。not の位置はどこですか？I suggest that he not go. となります。does not go や did not go としないように注意してください。この not だけがポツンと置かれる形が、仮定法現在であることを示す強力なサインになります。Subjunctive vs. Indicative (The Verb 'To Be')
| Subject | Indicative (Fact) | Subjunctive (Suggestion) |
|---|---|---|
|
I
|
am
|
be
|
|
You
|
are
|
be
|
|
He/She/It
|
is
|
be
|
|
We
|
are
|
be
|
|
They
|
are
|
be
|
Meanings
The mandative subjunctive is used in 'that' clauses to express a wish, hope, suggestion, or command. It uses the base form of the verb regardless of the subject.
Formal Suggestions
Used with verbs like suggest, recommend, or propose to offer advice in a professional manner.
“I suggest that he arrive early.”
“We propose that the meeting be postponed.”
Demands and Requirements
Used with verbs like demand, insist, or require to express an authoritative order.
“The law requires that every citizen pay taxes.”
“I insist that she be told the truth.”
Adjectives of Necessity
Used after 'It is...' followed by adjectives like essential, vital, or crucial.
“It is essential that he be here.”
“It is vital that we not lose this contract.”
Reference Table
| 提案を表す動詞 | 主語 | 仮定法の動詞（原形） | 例文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
suggest
|
he/she/it
|
go
|
I suggest that he go to the meeting.
|
|
recommend
|
we
|
review
|
They recommend that we review the document.
|
|
propose
|
she
|
be
|
I propose that she be present at the meeting.
|
|
insist
|
you
|
finish
|
He insisted that you finish your work.
|
|
advise
|
they
|
consider
|
We advise that they consider the offer.
|
|
request
|
I
|
call
|
She requested that I call them back.
|
|
demand
|
everyone
|
listen
|
The boss demanded that everyone listen carefully.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
I move that the visitor be asked to leave. (Workplace/Social)
I suggest that he leave. (Workplace/Social)
I think he should go. (Workplace/Social)
Tell him to bounce. (Workplace/Social)
提案の仮定法：コア・コンセプト
主なフレーズ
- I suggest that... Formal recommendation
- It is crucial that... Emphasizing necessity
- We propose that... Putting forth an idea
動詞の形
- 原形（toなし不定詞） Always used after 'that'
- 三人称の -s は不要 Key subjunctive rule
- should を使わない More concise, formal
よくある間違い
- -s を付けてしまう 'He goes' instead of 'he go'
- should の多用 Less formal, not true subjunctive
仮定法 vs. 直説法（提案のニュアンス）
仮定法を使うかどうかの判断フロー
メインの動詞は 'suggest', 'recommend', 'insist' などで、その後に 'that' が続きますか？
単なる事実ではなく、特定の「行動」や「状態」を推奨していますか？
その行動の主語は he/she/it や単数名詞ですか？
フォーマルで簡潔、かつ説得力のある響きにしたいですか？
仮定法を引き起こす動詞のカテゴリー
強い提案
- • suggest
- • recommend
- • propose
- • advise
依頼・要求
- • ask
- • request
- • insist
- • demand
公式・法的
- • stipulate
- • move (会議での提案)
重要性の表現
- • it is essential that
- • it is crucial that
レベル別の例文
I think you go now.
I think you should go now.
Please be quiet.
Please be quiet.
I want you to stay.
I want you to stay.
It is good to help.
It is good to help.
I suggest you should go.
I suggest you should go.
It is important to be early.
It is important to be early.
He says that we stay.
He says that we should stay.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
I suggest that he take a taxi.
I suggest that he take a taxi.
It is necessary that she be here.
It is necessary that she be here.
They insisted that we not leave.
They insisted that we not leave.
We propose that the plan change.
We propose that the plan change.
The doctor recommended that he stop smoking.
The doctor recommended that he stop smoking.
It is vital that the project be finished.
It is vital that the project be finished.
I demand that she apologize.
I demand that she apologize.
He suggested that we not wait for him.
He suggested that we not wait for him.
It is imperative that the witness be sequestered.
It is imperative that the witness be sequestered.
The committee moves that the motion be tabled.
The committee moves that the motion be tabled.
I suggest that he not be given another chance.
I suggest that he not be given another chance.
It is crucial that the data not be corrupted.
It is crucial that the data not be corrupted.
Lest the public be alarmed, the news was suppressed.
Lest the public be alarmed, the news was suppressed.
The decree stipulates that no person enter the grounds.
The decree stipulates that no person enter the grounds.
It is of the utmost importance that he not be seen.
It is of the utmost importance that he not be seen.
I propose that the existing legislation be repealed.
I propose that the existing legislation be repealed.
間違えやすい
Learners don't realize 'insist' can take both moods with different meanings.
You can say 'I suggest going' but not 'I suggest him going'.
よくある間違い
I suggest him to go.
I suggest that he go.
It is important he goes.
It is important that he go.
I insist that he doesn't stay.
I insist that he not stay.
I suggest that he be's here.
I suggest that he be here.
文型パターン
It is essential that ___ be ___.
I suggest that ___ not ___ until ___.
Real World Usage
I suggest that my references be contacted for further verification.
The agreement requires that the tenant pay the rent by the first of the month.
It is vital that the patient not consume alcohol while on this medication.
We propose that the data be re-evaluated using a different model.
I suggest you be there on time for once!
I recommend that the meeting be moved to 3 PM.
「消えたS」に注目してみて
She insists that he go.と言った時、「s」がないことに気づけたら上級者の証拠。これは仮定法現在のサインですよ。
She insists that he go.
Should の使いすぎに注意
I suggest you should goも使われますが、C1レベルなら原形のみの方がスマートです。
I suggest you go.
Be動詞の原形を使いこなそう
I suggest that he be on time.
使うシーンを選びましょう
I suggest that he be careful.
that は省略しない方が無難
I suggest that you arrive early.
Smart Tips
Check for an 's' on the verb. If it's there, delete it!
Avoid 'don't' or 'doesn't'. Just use 'not'.
Always use 'be'. No exceptions.
Use 'I suggest that...' instead of 'You must...'. The subjunctive makes it a formal proposal rather than a personal order.
発音
Stress on Trigger
In subjunctive sentences, the stress usually falls on the trigger verb (suggest, insist) and the 'not' if it's negative.
Authoritative Falling
I insist that he be ↘ present.
Conveys a firm, non-negotiable demand.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember: 'Sub-junction' is where the 'S' and 'Should' get dropped at the junction.
視覚的連想
Imagine a judge (formal) pointing a finger and saying 'I demand that he BE quiet!' The judge doesn't use 'is' or 'are', only the pure 'BE'.
Rhyme
When you suggest or you demand, Keep the base verb close at hand.
Story
A CEO is giving a speech. He says, 'I suggest that every employee **be** happy. I insist that no one **work** late. It is vital that we **not fail**.' He sounds very professional because he never uses 'is' or 'works'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three professional emails in your head: one suggesting a change, one demanding a refund, and one stating an essential rule, all using the subjunctive.
文化メモ
Americans use the mandative subjunctive much more frequently than the British, even in semi-formal speech.
British speakers often find the pure subjunctive slightly 'stiff' and prefer to insert 'should'.
In global academic writing, the subjunctive is preferred as it sounds more objective and less like a personal opinion.
The subjunctive mood comes from Old English and Proto-Indo-European, where it had distinct endings for almost every person.
会話のきっかけ
What would you suggest that a tourist see in your city?
If you were the boss, what would you insist that your employees do?
What is one rule in your country that you propose be changed?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesThe manager insisted that he ___ the report by Friday.
Find and fix the mistake:
It is essential that she doesn't forget her passport.
I propose that the motion ___ postponed until the next session.
You should stay here. (I suggest...)
'The doctor recommended that he takes a week off.'
A: 'The project is failing!' B: 'Then I suggest that the strategy ___ immediately.'
Select the group that all trigger the subjunctive.
1. It is vital... 2. I suggest... 3. They demand...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesScore: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, especially in American English and formal writing worldwide. While it sounds formal, it is not 'dead'.
Yes, 'I suggest that he should go' is perfectly correct, especially in British English. However, the subjunctive is more common in formal US English.
Because the subjunctive uses the base form of the verb, and the negative of a base form is simply `not` + verb. There is no 'do-support' in the subjunctive.
The mandative subjunctive (suggestions) does not change for the past. 'I suggested that he go' is correct, even if the suggestion happened yesterday.
The most common are `essential`, `vital`, `important`, `crucial`, `imperative`, and `necessary`.
No. 'Hope' uses the indicative. 'I hope that he goes' (not 'go'). Only verbs of suggestion/demand use the subjunctive.
Yes, it is a very common error. 'Suggest' cannot be followed by an object + infinitive. You must use a 'that' clause or a gerund ('I suggest going').
Use 'be' for all subjects. 'It is vital that I be / you be / he be / they be'. Never use 'am', 'is', or 'are'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Presente de Subjuntivo
English has one form (base), Spanish has many.
Le Subjonctif
French subjunctive is mandatory in speech; English is often optional/formal.
Konjunktiv I
German uses it more for reporting speech than for simple suggestions.
~hou ga ii / ~beki
Japanese uses sentence-ending particles rather than internal verb changes.
Al-Mudaari' al-Mansuub
Arabic subjunctive is triggered by specific particles, similar to the English 'that'.
yào / jiànyì
Chinese relies entirely on context and specific vocabulary.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
関連動画
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