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
Mandative Subjunctive(명령 가정법 혹은 당위 가정법)는 단순한 문법 규칙을 넘어 언어의 '격조'와 '정밀함'을 결정짓는 핵심 요소입니다. 이 문법은 사실(fact)을 진술하는 것이 아니라, 누군가의 요구, 제안, 필요성, 혹은 강력한 권고를 표현할 때 사용됩니다.must나 should를 사용하는 것보다, It is essential that...과 같은 구조를 사용하는 것이 훨씬 더 공식적이고(formal), 객관적이며, 권위 있는 느낌을 줍니다.Mandative Subjunctive의 가장 큰 특징은 that 절 내부의 동사가 주어의 인칭이나 수, 그리고 주절의 시제와 상관없이 항상 동사원형(base form)으로 쓰인다는 점입니다.he, she, it)일 때 동사에 -s를 붙이거나, 과거 시제일 때 -ed를 붙이는 강한 규칙이 있습니다.Mandative Subjunctive 구문 안에서는 그 규칙이 완전히 무너집니다.- 직설법:
He arrives on time.(그는 정시에 도착한다 - 사실) - 가정법:
It is essential that he arrive on time.(그가 정시에 도착하는 것이 필수적이다 - 요구/필요)
arrives가 아닌 arrive가 쓰였습니다. 이는 해당 동작이 실제로 일어난 '사실'이 아니라, 머릿속에서 바라는 '아이디어'나 '당위성'임을 나타내기 위한 언어적 장치입니다. 형태론적으로는 단순해 보이지만, 영문법의 기본 원칙인 '주어-동사 일치'를 깨뜨리기 때문에 학습자들에게는 심리적 저항감이 생기기 마련입니다. 하지만 이 '원형'의 사용이야말로 이 문장이 단순한 정보 전달이 아닌 '강력한 메시지'를 담고 있음을 보여주는 신호입니다.that 절에서 마법이 일어납니다.Main Clause (V/Adj) + that + Subject + Base Form (동사원형)The manager demanded that the report be submitted by noon.(매니저는 보고서가 정오까지 제출될 것을 요구했다.)It is vital that she consult a specialist.(그녀가 전문가와 상담하는 것이 지극히 중요하다.)
do not이나 does not을 절대 쓰지 않습니다. 동사원형 앞에 바로 not만 붙입니다.It is essential that you not reveal the secret.(당신이 그 비밀을 드러내지 않는 것이 필수적이다.)They suggested that he not attend the meeting.(그들은 그가 회의에 참석하지 말 것을 제안했다.)
demand, insist, order, require, stipulate | imperative, mandatory, obligatory, a requirement |advise, propose, recommend, suggest, urge | advisable, a recommendation, a proposal |essential, crucial, vital, important, necessary |be 동사의 경우, am, are, is, was, were가 아닌 오직 be 하나로 통일됩니다.It is important that I be informed.(내가 통보받는 것이 중요하다.)We insist that they be present.(우리는 그들이 참석해야 한다고 주장한다.)
The contract stipulates that the vendor deliver the goods within 30 days.(계약서는 공급업체가 30일 이내에 물품을 인도할 것을 규정하고 있습니다.)
The doctor recommended that he stop smoking immediately.(의사는 그가 즉시 금연할 것을 권고했습니다.)It is imperative that the patient not consume alcohol.(환자가 알코올을 섭취하지 않는 것이 매우 중요합니다.)
This study suggests that the government implement stricter environmental laws.(본 연구는 정부가 더 엄격한 환경법을 시행할 것을 제안합니다.)
I insist that the manager address this issue personally.(나는 매니저가 이 문제를 직접 처리할 것을 주장하는 바입니다.)
-s를 붙이는 실수he, she 뒤에는 무조건 -s가 붙어야 한다는 강박을 버려야 합니다.- 잘못된 예:
It is essential that she finishes her work. - 옳은 예:
It is essential that she finish her work. - 이유: 이것은 사실을 말하는 직설법이 아니라, '당위'를 말하는 가정법이기 때문입니다.
insisted)면 종속절도 과거(went)로 써야 한다고 착각하기 쉽습니다.- 잘못된 예:
They insisted that he left the room. - 옳은 예:
They insisted that he leave the room. - 이유:
Mandative Subjunctive는 시제의 영향을 받지 않는 '무시제(tenseless)' 성격을 가집니다.
don't / doesn't를 사용하는 실수- 잘못된 예:
It is important that he doesn't forget the key. - 옳은 예:
It is important that he not forget the key. - 이유: 가정법 현재 구조에서 부정은 오직
not + 동사원형으로만 표현합니다.
suggest 뒤에 to-infinitive를 쓰는 실수want someone to do 구조에 익숙한 한국인들이 suggest someone to do라고 잘못 쓰는 경우가 많습니다.- 잘못된 예:
I suggest you to go home. - 옳은 예:
I suggest (that) you go home. - 이유:
suggest,recommend,insist등의 동사는 목적격 보어로 부정사를 취하지 않고that절을 취하는 것이 원칙입니다.
I insist that he be here. | 강력한 요구: 그가 여기 있어야 한다고 강력히 주장함. |I insist that he is here. | 사실의 확인: (그가 없다는 사람들에게) 그가 여기 있는 게 확실하다고 사실을 주장함. |It is essential that he should go. | 영국식 표현: 의미는 같으나 영국에서는 should를 넣어 표현하는 것을 선호함. |I suggest going there. | 일반적 제안: 특정 대상을 지정하지 않고 '가는 것' 자체를 제안함. |insist나 suggest 같은 동사는 뒤에 사실이 오느냐, 당위가 오느냐에 따라 동사의 형태가 완전히 달라지므로 주의해야 합니다. 예를 들어, The evidence suggests that he is guilty는 증거가 그가 유죄라는 '사실'을 보여주는 것이므로 직설법(is)을 씁니다. 반면, The lawyer suggested that he be released는 유죄 여부와 상관없이 그를 풀어줘야 한다는 '제안'이므로 가정법(be)을 씁니다.that을 생략해도 되나요?that을 명시해 주는 것이 문장의 구조를 명확히 하는 데 도움이 됩니다.that 절 안에 should를 넣는 방식을 더 선호하는 경향이 있습니다. 하지만 미국 영어(American English)에서는 여전히 이 Mandative Subjunctive가 매우 활발하게 사용되며, 특히 격식 있는 문어체에서는 전 세계적으로 표준으로 통용됩니다.It is certain that...이나 It is obvious that...처럼 '확신'이나 '명백한 사실'을 나타내는 형용사 뒤에는 직설법을 씁니다. 오직 '당위성(무엇이 되어야 함)'을 나타내는 형용사(essential, vital, necessary 등) 뒤에만 이 문법을 적용합니다.I일 때도 be를 쓰나요?It is necessary that I be there.라고 합니다. 어색하게 들릴 수 있지만, 격식을 갖춘 완벽한 문장입니다. 만약 너무 어색하게 느껴진다면 I need to be there로 바꿔 말할 수 있겠지만, 문장의 품격은 조금 달라지겠죠?Practice makes perfect! 오늘 배운 표현들을 활용해 비즈니스 이메일을 한 통 써보는 건 어떨까요?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
| 트리거 표현 (Trigger) | 올바른 예시 (Correct) | 틀린 예시 (Incorrect) |
|---|---|---|
|
It is essential that...
|
It is essential that he *arrive* on time.
|
It is essential that he *arrives* on time.
|
|
I demand that...
|
I demand that she *apologize*.
|
I demand that she *apologizes*.
|
|
They recommend that...
|
They recommend that he *take* a break.
|
They recommend that he *takes* a break.
|
|
We insist that...
|
We insist that the rules *be* followed.
|
We insist that the rules *are* followed.
|
|
It is crucial that...
|
It is crucial that you *not forget*.
|
It is crucial that you *don't forget*.
|
|
The law requires that...
|
The law requires that everyone *comply*.
|
The law requires that everyone *complies*.
|
|
She proposed that...
|
She proposed that we *start* early.
|
She proposed that we *should start* early.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
가정법 현재(Mandative Subjunctive) 구조도
트리거 동사
- Suggest I suggest that he *go*.
- Recommend They recommend that she *rest*.
- Insist We insist that you *listen*.
- Demand He demands that they *pay*.
트리거 형용사/명사
- Essential It is essential that we *start*.
- Crucial It is crucial that she *be* there.
- Important It is important that he *know*.
- Requirement It's a requirement that all *sign*.
핵심 규칙
- 동사 원형 사용 Subject + `that` + Subject + BASE VERB.
- -s 붙이지 않음 He *go*, She *be*, It *rain*.
- 부정형 Subject + `that` + Subject + `not` + BASE VERB.
가정법 현재 vs. 일반 직설법
가정법 현재를 쓸 타이밍인가요?
문장이 요구, 제안, 추천 또는 필요성을 나타내나요?
트리거 동사(suggest 등)나 형용사(essential 등) 뒤에 'that'이 오나요?
that절 안의 동사가 주어와 상관없이 원형인가요?
가정법 상황 및 주요 표현
공식 지시
- • It is required that...
- • The law stipulates that...
- • Official policy dictates that...
강력한 제안
- • I suggest that...
- • We recommend that...
- • They proposed that...
필수/긴급
- • It is vital that...
- • It is crucial that...
- • It is imperative that...
동사 원형 예시
- • (that she) go
- • (that he) be
- • (that it) rain
- • (that they) not forget
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
트리거 단어를 찾으세요!
It is vital that you *be* there.
3인칭 단수 'S'는 잊으세요!
It is crucial that he *arrive* on time.
부정문은 더 간단해요
It is crucial that you *not forget* this.
격식 있는 자리의 주인공
I recommend that the company *update* its policy.
'To Be' 동사의 변신
It is necessary that she *be* informed.
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Remember: 'Subjunctive is Bare.' It uses the bare verb with no clothes (no -s, no -ed, no -ing).
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
Write three professional emails using 'I suggest that...', 'It is vital that...', and 'We recommend that...' without using the word 'should'.
문화 노트
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.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
It is urgent that she ___ the documents by noon.
Find and fix the mistake:
The board demanded that he attends all future meetings.
Translate into English: '그녀가 제시간에 여기 있는 것이 필수적입니다.'
Answer starts with: ["I...
Score: /3
연습 문제
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.
올바른 문장을 고르세요:
영어로 번역하세요: '의사는 그녀가 쉴 것을 권고했습니다.'
단어들을 순서대로 배열하세요:
문장의 앞부분과 알맞은 뒷부분을 연결하세요:
The coach insisted that the team ___ extra practice.
It was proposed that the company opens a new branch.
올바른 문장을 고르세요:
영어로 번역하세요: '당신이 코드를 잊지 않는 것이 매우 중요합니다.'
단어들을 순서대로 배열하세요:
Score: /11
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
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06:28 Eternals Vs Ikaris - Final Fight Scene | ETERNALS (2021) Sci-Fi, Movie CLIP HD
가정법 현재? 당위성의 should 생략? 10분 만에 끝내기
아란TV
원어민처럼 말하기: suggest, recommend 뒤에 동사원형 쓰는 이유
라이브 아카데미
Related Grammar Rules
가정법 현재: Unless = If Not
### Overview 영어 문법에서 **`unless`**는 조건문, 특히 **First Conditional (1형 조건문)**에서 중요한 접속사 역할을 합니...
영 조건문: 습관 및 일상
### 개요 습관과 일상을 나타낼 때 사용되는 '영문법의 제로 컨디셔널(Zero Conditional)'은, 특정 조건이 반복적으로 충족될...
Can: 능력 표현하기 (Can)
Overview 백플립 할 수 있어? 아니면 그냥 괜찮은 사워도우 빵이라도 구울 수 있니? 어느 쪽이든, 넌 `can`을 사용하고 있는 거...
혼합 가정법: 과거의 행동, 현재의 결과 (Type 2)
### Overview Mixed Conditionals(혼합 조건문), 그중에서도 '과거의 행동이 현재의 결과에 영향을 미치는 경우(Type 2 Mixed C...
Suppose & Supposing: '만약 ~라면' 게임
### Overview 영어 학습이 B2 레벨, 즉 중상급 단계에 도달하면 단순히 의사를 전달하는 수준을 넘어, 상대방의 생각을 자극하...
