Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the base form of a verb after words of necessity or suggestion to sound professional and precise.
- Use the base verb (no -s, -ed, or -ing) regardless of the subject: 'It is vital he attend.'
- For negative sentences, place 'not' directly before the verb: 'I suggest she not go.'
- The verb 'to be' always becomes 'be': 'It is essential that you be ready.'
Overview
It is essential that she be informed（彼女に通知されることが不可欠である）といった文章を見かけることがあるかもしれません。待ってください、she be？she is ではないのですか？書き手が to be 動詞の使い方を忘れてしまったのでしょうか？いいえ。あなたは今、「接続法（Subjunctive）」、具体的には「命令的接続法（mandative subjunctive）」に出会ったのです。これは、Zoom面接のためにスーツとネクタイを着用するような、言語的な礼儀作法です。フォーマルで正確であり、高度なアカデミックやビジネス英語では驚くほど一般的です。退屈な事実を述べているように聞こえることなく、緊急性、重要性、または要件を表現することができます。「ドアが閉まっている」と言うのと、「ドアが閉まったままであることが不可欠である」と言うのとの違いです。前者は単なる記述ですが、後者はベルベットの手袋に包まれた命令です。上級英語話者の秘密の握手のようなものだと考えてください。正しく使えれば、非常に洗練された印象を与えます。間違えると、ただの普通の人に聞こえます。それはそれで構いませんが、ここではC1レベルの卓越性を目指しています！How This Grammar Works
It is essential that... を使うとき、何かが現在起こっていると言っているわけではありません。それが起こる *必要がある* と言っているのです。動作が実際にはまだ起こっていないため、動詞は最も基本的で純粋な形のままになります。動詞が待合室にいて、行動する準備はできているけれど、まだ特定の時間や人物に縛られていないような状態です。この「可能性」の雰囲気が接続法を定義するものです。だから、三人称単数でも s を付けず、am/is/are はすべてその先祖である be に戻ります。ミニマリストのデザイン・トレンドのようなものです。核となる要件に集中するために、時制や一致といった不必要な装飾を削ぎ落としているのです。ただ、バーでバーガーを注文するときには使わないでください。非常に困惑した顔をされるでしょう。
Formation Pattern
It is ＋ 重要性を表す形容詞（essential, vital, crucial, important, mandatory, imperative など）で始めます。
that ＋ 主語 ＋ 動詞の 原形 を続けます。
It is vital...
that を足す：It is vital that...
It is vital that the CEO...
s も ed も ing もなし）：It is vital that the CEO attend the meeting.
be here. | 彼がここにいることが不可欠です。
not leave. | 彼女が去らないことが極めて重要です。
be fixed. | それが修理されることが決定的に重要です。
don't や doesn't を使わないことに注意してください。動詞の直前に not を置くだけです。クリーンで鋭く、文法のプロのように見えます。
When To Use It
- 仕事のメール： 上司やクライアントにメールを送る際、プロフェッショナルでありながら毅然とした態度を保つ必要があるとき。
It is essential that the report be submitted by Friday. - フォーマルな文書： エッセイ、研究論文、カバーレターなど。
It is imperative that the data be verified. - 法的・公式な文脈： 賃貸契約書や政府のウェブサイト。
It is mandatory that all tenants provide proof of insurance. - 医療・安全のアドバイス： 指示が生死に関わるとき。
It is vital that the patient remain still during the scan.
Common Mistakes
he works や she goes と言うことに慣れすぎていて、It is essential that he work と書くと脳が悲鳴を上げます。マトリックスのグリッチ（バグ）を見ているような、間違った感覚になります。しかし接続法では、その s は敵です。- 間違い：
It is important that he stays. - 正解：
It is important that he stay.
to be 動詞です。多くの人が is や are を使いたがります。- 間違い：
It is essential that she is present. - 正解：
It is essential that she be present.
should を使わないでください（イギリス英語では一般的ですが）。アメリカ英語や公式試験では、裸の原形がゴールドスタンダードです。Contrast With Similar Patterns
It is... の文章とどう違うのでしょうか？すべては「事実」か「要件」かによります。- 直説法（事実）：
It is clear that he is happy.（観察した事実を述べています）。 - 接続法（要件）：
It is essential that he be happy.（条件を要求しています）。
Quick FAQ
that を省略してもいいですか？should を使うことが多いです：It is essential that he should be there。It was essential that... と言っても、続く動詞は原形のままです！Subjunctive vs. Indicative Comparison
| Subject | Indicative (Fact) | Subjunctive (Requirement) | Negative Subjunctive |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
I am / I work
|
that I be / that I work
|
that I not be / that I not work
|
|
You
|
You are / You work
|
that you be / that you work
|
that you not be / that you not work
|
|
He/She/It
|
He is / He works
|
that he be / that he work
|
that he not be / that he not work
|
|
We
|
We are / We work
|
that we be / that we work
|
that we not be / that we not work
|
|
They
|
They are / They work
|
that they be / that they work
|
that they not be / that they not work
|
Meanings
A special verb form used in 'that' clauses to express a requirement, suggestion, or necessity. It uses the base form of the verb for all subjects.
Expressing Necessity
Used after adjectives like essential, vital, or mandatory to show something must happen.
“It is vital that he remain calm.”
“It is mandatory that the witness testify.”
Making Suggestions
Used after verbs like suggest, recommend, or propose.
“I suggest that he take a taxi.”
“We recommend that she apply early.”
Demands and Requests
Used after verbs like demand, insist, or request.
“The judge demanded that he pay the fine.”
“She insisted that he not leave.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Trigger + that + Subject + Base Verb
|
It is vital that he stay.
|
|
Negative
|
Trigger + that + Subject + not + Base Verb
|
I suggest that she not go.
|
|
Passive
|
Trigger + that + Subject + be + Past Participle
|
They asked that it be done.
|
|
Verb 'To Be'
|
Trigger + that + Subject + be
|
It is essential that you be ready.
|
|
Past Trigger
|
Trigger (Past) + that + Subject + Base Verb
|
He insisted that we be quiet.
|
|
Plural Subject
|
Trigger + that + Plural Subject + Base Verb
|
It is crucial that they arrive.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
It is essential that you be punctual. (Workplace attendance)
It's important that you're on time. (Workplace attendance)
You gotta be on time. (Workplace attendance)
Don't be late, fam. (Workplace attendance)
Mandative Subjunctive Triggers
Verbs
- Suggest To offer an idea
- Demand To require strongly
- Insist To not take no for an answer
Adjectives
- Essential Absolutely necessary
- Vital Necessary for life/success
- Crucial Extremely important
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Should I use the Subjunctive?
Is there a trigger word (essential, suggest, etc.)?
Is it a 'that' clause?
Common Adjective Triggers
Urgency
- • Urgent
- • Imperative
- • Pressing
Importance
- • Vital
- • Essential
- • Crucial
レベル別の例文
It is important that he be happy.
It is important that he is happy.
I suggest you go now.
I think you should go now.
It is vital that we eat.
We must eat.
She asks that he help.
She wants him to help.
It is essential that she not cry.
She must not cry.
I recommend that he study more.
He should study more.
The doctor suggests that he rest.
The doctor says he needs rest.
It is necessary that you be there.
You have to be there.
I insist that he pay for the window.
I am demanding that he pays for the window.
It is vital that the water be clean.
The water must be clean.
They requested that we not smoke here.
They asked us not to smoke.
We propose that the meeting start at 9.
We suggest starting at 9.
It is mandatory that every passenger wear a seatbelt.
Everyone must wear a seatbelt.
The committee recommended that the law be changed.
The committee said the law should change.
I suggest that he not be told the truth yet.
Don't tell him the truth yet.
It is crucial that the evidence remain untouched.
The evidence must stay as it is.
It is imperative that the CEO be apprised of these developments.
The CEO must be informed.
The treaty stipulates that no nation deploy weapons in space.
The treaty says no weapons in space.
I move that the session be adjourned until tomorrow.
I suggest we stop the meeting.
It is essential that she not succumb to pressure.
She must not give in to pressure.
Lest the public be misled, it is vital that the data be released in full.
To prevent misleading the public, release the data.
The prosecution requested that the defendant remain in custody.
The lawyer asked to keep him in jail.
It is of the utmost importance that the integrity of the process be maintained.
The process must stay honest.
The decree mandated that all citizens be registered by year's end.
The law said everyone must register.
間違えやすい
Learners mix up 'insist that he is' (stating a fact) and 'insist that he be' (making a demand).
Learners don't know when to use 'should' vs the bare verb.
Learners think the second verb must be past tense if the first one is.
よくある間違い
It is important that he is here.
It is important that he be here.
I suggest he goes.
I suggest he go.
It is vital you to come.
It is vital that you come.
She asks he help.
She asks that he help.
I recommend he doesn't go.
I recommend he not go.
It is necessary that he stays.
It is necessary that he stay.
They suggest we are ready.
They suggest we be ready.
He insisted that I was there.
He insisted that I be there.
It is essential that she has a passport.
It is essential that she have a passport.
I propose that the plan is changed.
I propose that the plan be changed.
It is imperative that he not be being late.
It is imperative that he not be late.
I suggest that he should go.
I suggest that he go.
The rule mandates that everyone is registered.
The rule mandates that everyone be registered.
It is vital that he not fails.
It is vital that he not fail.
文型パターン
It is essential that ___ ___.
I suggest that ___ not ___.
The board requested that the report ___ ___.
It is imperative that ___ be ___.
Real World Usage
I suggest that the company explore new markets.
It is required that the tenant maintain the property.
I recommend that he take this medication twice daily.
We propose that the experiment be repeated.
It is vital that you be present at the gala.
The council demands that the ceasefire be respected.
The 'Be' Test
Avoid 'Don't'
US vs UK
The 'That' Clause
Smart Tips
Immediately check the next verb. If it has an 's' or 'ed', it's probably a mistake!
Use 'It is vital that...' instead of 'You must...' to sound more polite and sophisticated.
Forget 'am, is, are'. Just use 'be'. It's the easiest part of the rule once you get used to it.
Just put 'not' before the verb. No 'don't', no 'doesn't', no drama.
発音
Stress on Trigger
In sentences like 'It is VITAL that he go,' the stress usually falls heavily on the trigger word to emphasize the necessity.
The 'That' Reduction
The word 'that' is often reduced to a quick /ðət/ sound, or even omitted in speech, though the subjunctive verb remains.
Falling Intonation for Commands
I insist that he stay. ↘
Conveys authority and finality.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember: 'Subjunctive is Bare.' It uses the bare verb with no clothes (no -s, no -ed, no -ing).
視覚的連想
Imagine a judge pointing a finger and saying 'I demand...' Behind the judge is a giant 'BE' sign, reminding you that 'is/am/are' are banned in his court.
Rhyme
When 'essential' is the word, the 's' is never heard.
Story
A strict boss named Mr. Essential always demands that his employees 'be' on time. He hates the letter 'S', so he fired it from all his verbs. Now, he says 'He work' and 'She stay' instead of 'He works' and 'She stays'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three professional emails using 'I suggest that...', 'It is vital that...', and 'We recommend that...' without using the word 'should'.
文化メモ
The mandative subjunctive is much more common in the US than in the UK. Americans use it in both formal and semi-formal speech.
Brits often prefer using 'should' or the indicative. The bare subjunctive can sound slightly archaic or extremely formal to a British ear.
In international law and contracts, the subjunctive is the standard to avoid ambiguity about whether something is a fact or a requirement.
The subjunctive mood comes from Proto-Indo-European and was highly developed in Old English with specific endings for different persons.
会話のきっかけ
What is one rule in your country that you think is essential that everyone follow?
If you were the boss, what would you suggest that your employees do differently?
In a relationship, is it vital that partners share the same hobbies?
The government is proposing a new law. What do you recommend that they include?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
It is essential that he ___ ready by 8 AM.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The manager insisted that the report is finished today.
It is vital that ___.
In the subjunctive mood, the verb changes if the subject is 'he' or 'she'.
A: 'The deadline is tomorrow.' B: 'Then it is imperative that he ___ the project tonight.'
Select the trigger words.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
練習問題
8 exercisesIt is essential that he ___ ready by 8 AM.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The manager insisted that the report is finished today.
It is vital that ___.
In the subjunctive mood, the verb changes if the subject is 'he' or 'she'.
A: 'The deadline is tomorrow.' B: 'Then it is imperative that he ___ the project tonight.'
Select the trigger words.
1. Demand, 2. Recommend, 3. Crucial
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesThe university requires that every student ___ an ethics course.
It is important that she arrives at the airport two hours early.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El médico recomendó que ella descanse.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginning of the sentence with the correct subjunctive verb phrase:
The coach insisted that the team ___ extra practice.
It was proposed that the company opens a new branch.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Es vital que no olvides el código.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Score: /11
よくある質問 (8)
Not at all! While some forms are rare, the mandative subjunctive (after 'essential', 'suggest') is actually very common in formal American English and professional writing.
Yes, especially in British English. 'It is essential that he should go' is correct. However, the bare form 'It is essential that he go' is more formal.
The verb 'suggest' cannot be followed by an object + infinitive. You must use a 'that' clause, which then triggers the subjunctive.
No. The mandative subjunctive always uses the base form, even if you are talking about the past: 'I suggested that he be there.'
In formal writing, yes. In casual speech, people often drop it: 'I suggest he go.' But for C1 level exams, keep the 'that'.
'Insist he is' means you are stating a fact ('I insist he is innocent'). 'Insist he be' is a command ('I insist he be released').
No. 'Hope' is not a mandative trigger. We say 'I hope that he goes' (indicative).
It's rare, but possible: 'Is it not essential that he be informed?' The rules remain the same.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Presente de Subjuntivo
Spanish conjugates for every person, while English uses one base form for all.
Le Subjonctif
French has many irregular subjunctive stems, whereas English is always the base form.
Konjunktiv I
German Konjunktiv I is mostly for indirect speech, not just mandates.
~koto ga hitsuyou
Japanese has no verb mood change; it uses helper words at the end of the sentence.
Al-Mudari' al-Mansub
Arabic changes the final vowel of the verb, while English changes the whole conjugation pattern.
yào / bìxū
Chinese has no verb conjugation at all, so the concept of a 'mood' is purely lexical.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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