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...과 같은 구조에서 나타나는 당위의 가정법(Mandative Subjunctive)은 학술적 글쓰기, 비즈니스 이메일, 그리고 공식적인 회의에서 화자의 세련미와 전문성을 드러내는 핵심적인 도구입니다.should를 넣는 방식에 익숙해져 있지만, C1 수준에서는 should를 생략하고 동사 원형(Base Form)만을 사용하는 형태를 자유자재로 구사할 수 있어야 합니다.나는 그가 회의에 참석하기를 제안한다라고 할 때, '참석하다'라는 동사가 '참석하기를'이라는 명사형으로 변하거나 '참석해야 한다고'라는 인용절로 바뀝니다. 영어에서도 이와 유사하게
that 절 내부의 동사가 '직설법(사실을 말하는 형태)'에서 '가정법(생각이나 의지를 말하는 형태)'으로 옷을 갈아입습니다.that 절의 동사가 주어의 인칭이나 수, 심지어 주절의 시제와도 상관없이 항상 동사 원형(Base Form)이 된다는 것입니다.- 직설법(사실):
He goes to the office.(그는 사무실에 간다 - 일상적 사실) - 가정법(제안):
I suggest that he go to the office.(그는 3인칭 단수임에도goes가 아닌go를 사용)
that 절 내부에 '마땅히 ~해야 한다'는 의미의 should가 생략되어 있다고 간주하기 때문입니다. 하지만 현대 미국 영어(American English)에서는 should를 아예 쓰지 않는 것이 훨씬 더 격식 있고 세련된 표현으로 여겨집니다. 반면 영국 영어에서는 should를 명시하는 경향이 좀 더 남아 있습니다.I suggest that he goes라고 하면 원어민들은 이를 문법적 오류로 느끼거나, 제안이 아닌 '그가 가고 있다는 사실을 내가 넌지시 말한다'는 전혀 다른 의미로 해석할 수 있습니다.[주어] + [제안/요구/명령의 동사] + that + [절의 주어] + [동사 원형(Base Form)]suggest(제안하다),recommend(권고하다),insist(주장하다),demand(요구하다),propose(제안하다),request(요청하다),urge(촉구하다)
essential(필수적인),important(중요한),vital(치명적으로 중요한),crucial(중대한),imperative(반드시 해야 하는)
The CEO suggests | that | the project | be | suspended. |I recommend | that | she | consult | a specialist. |It is vital | that | every member | vote | in the election. |The law demands | that | he | pay | the fine immediately. |she consult나 it be처럼 일반적인 문법으로는 틀려 보이는 형태가 가정법에서는 정답입니다. 특히 be 동사의 경우 am/are/is가 아닌 be 그 자체를 사용한다는 점에 유의하세요. 부정문을 만들 때도 매우 단순합니다. do not을 쓰지 않고 동사 원형 앞에 not만 붙입니다.- 예:
I suggest that he not go there.(그가 거기 가지 말 것을 제안합니다.)
Why don't you...?나 I think you should...가 훨씬 자연스럽습니다. 하지만 다음과 같은 상황에서는 반드시 이 가정법 구조를 사용해야 합니다.We recommend that the marketing budget be increased next quarter.
- 한국의 직장 문화에서 상사에게 조심스럽게, 그러나 논리적으로 제안할 때의 격식과 일맥상통합니다.
The contract stipulates that the vendor deliver the goods by Friday.
It is imperative that... 구조를 활용합니다.It is essential that the patient receive immediate medical attention.
I move that the meeting be adjourned.
-s를 붙이는 실수 (The '-s' Trap)he/she/it 뒤에는 s를 붙이라고 귀에 못이 박히도록 배웠습니다. 그래서 I suggest that he go를 보면 뇌에서 경고음이 울립니다.- 틀린 표현:
I suggest that he starts the task. - 맞는 표현:
I suggest that he start the task. - 이유: 가정법에서는 주어의 인칭을 무시합니다. 이것을 '문법적 오류'가 아닌 '격식의 상징'으로 받아들여야 합니다.
- 틀린 표현:
The doctor recommended that she took a rest. - 맞는 표현:
The doctor recommended that she take a rest. - 이유: 제안하는 시점이 과거일지라도, 제안의 내용(휴식을 취하는 것)은 그 시점에서의 '원형적 행위'를 의미하므로 시제 변화를 주지 않습니다.
insist의 이중적 의미 혼동insist는 '주장하다'라는 뜻이지만 두 가지 용법이 있습니다.- 당위(가정법): «~해야 한다고 주장하다» ->
I insisted that he be quiet.(조용히 하라고 시킴) - 사실(직설법): «(이미 일어난 사실이) 맞다고 주장하다» ->
He insisted that he was innocent.(자기가 무죄라는 사실을 주장함)
I suggest that he go. | 가장 격식 있고 전문적임. 미국 영어에서 선호됨. |I suggest that he should go. | 영국 영어에서 흔함. 약간 더 부드러운 느낌을 줌. |I suggest going. | 제안하는 대상이 불분명하거나 '우리'를 포함할 때 사용. 캐주얼함. |I advise him to go. | suggest는 이 구조를 취할 수 없음 (advise, recommend만 가능). |I suggest that he leave.(공식적, 단호함)I suggest leaving.(우리 같이 나갈까요? - 부드러운 제안)I suggest that he should leave.(그가 나가는 게 좋겠다고 생각해요 - 조언의 느낌)
Subjunctive를 선택할 수 있는 안목이 필요합니다.that을 생략해도 되나요?I suggest he go처럼 생략하기도 합니다. 하지만 이 문법 자체가 격식 있는 상황을 전제로 하므로, C1 레벨의 에세이나 공식 문서에서는 that을 명시하여 문장의 구조를 명확히 보여주는 것이 훨씬 좋습니다.My boss demanded that I finish the report by yesterday (상사는 내가 어제까지 보고서를 끝냈어야 했다고 요구했다)와 같이 주절이 과거(demanded)여도 종속절은 finish라는 원형을 유지합니다. 이것이 직설법과 가정법의 가장 큰 차이점입니다.suggest 뒤에 to-infinitive를 쓰면 왜 안 되나요?suggest는 절(that clause)이나 동명사(-ing)만을 목적어로 취하며, to-v를 쓰면 원어민들은 즉각적으로 어색함을 느낍니다. to-v를 쓰고 싶다면 advise나 encourage를 사용하세요.should를 생략하는 형태가 표준으로 자리 잡았으므로, 글로벌 환경에서 일하고자 한다면 반드시 마스터해야 할 세련된 문법입니다.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
| 제안 동사 | 주어 | 가정법 동사 (동사원형) | 예시 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
가정법 제안: 핵심 개념
핵심 구문
- I suggest that... 공식적인 권고
- It is crucial that... 필요성 강조
- We propose that... 아이디어 제시
동사 형태
- 동사원형 (to 없는 부정사) 항상 'that' 뒤에 사용
- he/she/it 뒤에 '-s' 없음 핵심 가정법 규칙
- 'should' 없음 더 간결하고 격식 있음
흔한 실수
- '-s' 추가하기 'He goes' 대신 'he go'
- 'should' 사용하기 덜 격식 있고, 순수 가정법 아님
가정법 vs 직설법 제안 비교
제안을 위한 가정법 결정하기
주동사가 'suggest', 'recommend', 'propose', 'insist' 등이고, 그 뒤에 'that'이 오나요?
사실을 진술하는 대신 *행동*이나 *상태*를 권고하나요?
권고된 행동의 주어가 he/she/it 또는 단수 명사인가요?
격식 있고, 간결하며, 강조하는 어조를 원하나요?
가정법 제안을 유발하는 동사
강력한 제안
- • suggest
- • recommend
- • propose
- • advise
요청/요구
- • ask
- • request
- • insist
- • demand
공식적/법률적
- • stipulate
- • move (회의에서)
중요성 표현
- • it is essential that
- • it is crucial that
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners don't realize 'insist' can take both moods with different meanings.
You can say 'I suggest going' but not 'I suggest him going'.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
'Missing S'를 찾아보세요
'Should'를 섞지 마세요
'To Be' 가정법을 마스터하세요
맥락이 중요해요
'That'과 함께 연습하세요
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Remember: 'Sub-junction' is where the 'S' and 'Should' get dropped at the junction.
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
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.
문화 노트
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.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
The committee recommends that she ___ (present) her findings tomorrow.
Find and fix the mistake:
My boss insisted that I finished the report by Friday.
Translate into English: 'Sugiero que él sea más cuidadoso.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
연습 문제
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 exercisesIt's important that she ___ (understand) the gravity of the situation.
The company demanded that all employees arrives on time.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Recomiendo que ella estudie para el examen.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the verbs with the correct subjunctive phrase:
The doctor advised that he ___ (rest) for a few days.
We requested that the meeting is rescheduled.
Which option is correct?
Translate into English: 'Insisto en que ella esté aquí.'
Unscramble the words to form a correct sentence:
Pair the beginnings with their correct endings:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
02:24 YouTube vs Grey: A Ballad of Accidental Suspension
06:45 What lack of sleep does to the teenage brain - Wendy Troxel
02:45 The 3-Day Weekend You're Doing Wrong
The Subjunctive in English - Complete Advanced English Grammar Lesson
English with Lucy
The Subjunctive Mood in English Grammar… Explained Simply!
English with Greg
Subjunctive Mood
Grammar Monster
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