C1 · Advanced Chapter 21

Formal Suggestions and Expressing Urgency

3 Total Rules
33 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the subtle power of the subjunctive to lead discussions and drive action with professional elegance.

  • Utilize the subjunctive mood to offer formal recommendations.
  • Apply mandative structures to emphasize critical requirements.
  • Use past-tense structures to trigger immediate action in urgent situations.
Command the room with the language of high-level influence.

What You'll Learn

Ready to elevate your English? This chapter empowers you to make sophisticated suggestions using structures like 'I suggest that...' and express urgency with precision. You'll master nuanced communication, sounding more natural and authoritative in any formal setting.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to construct formal suggestions using verbs like 'propose' and 'recommend' followed by the base form of the verb.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to express institutional necessity using 'It is essential that' without common third-person singular errors.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to create a sense of immediate urgency using the 'It's time + past simple' structure.

Chapter Guide

Overview

As a C1 English learner, you're past the basics and ready to refine your communication for maximum impact. This chapter is your key to unlocking truly sophisticated expression, especially in professional or academic contexts. We’re diving deep into English formal suggestions and expressing urgency, skills that will make you sound incredibly natural and authoritative. Mastering these structures allows you to convey your ideas with precision and gravitas, moving beyond simple requests to nuanced recommendations.
You’ll discover how to use the often-misunderstood subjunctive mood when making suggestions with phrases like "I suggest that..." ensuring your advice is taken seriously. We’ll also explore the mandative subjunctive in crucial statements such as "It is essential that...", giving your pronouncements undeniable weight. Furthermore, you'll learn a polite yet firm way to express that something is overdue or needs immediate attention with "It's time we went." These advanced C1 English grammar points are not just about correctness; they’re about commanding attention and expressing yourself with a level of polish that sets you apart.
By the end of this guide, you won't just understand these rules; you'll be able to wield them confidently. Imagine chairing a meeting, presenting a project, or writing an important email – these linguistic tools will empower you to communicate complex ideas and priorities with impressive clarity and a refined tone. Let's elevate your English together!

How This Grammar Works

These grammar points equip you with powerful ways to influence and inform. First, let's tackle the English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions. When you use verbs like 'suggest', 'recommend', 'propose', or 'advise' in a formal context, followed by 'that', the verb in the clause typically takes the bare infinitive form (the base form of the verb without 'to' and without 's' for third person singular, or any past tense ending). For example, instead of "I suggest that he *goes*," you would say, "I suggest that he go." Similarly, "The committee recommended that she be appointed to the role," not "she is appointed." This structure instantly adds a layer of formality and authority to your suggestions, making them sound less like personal opinions and more like carefully considered proposals.
Next, we move to the English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive). This is used for expressing formal necessity or importance. Phrases like 'It is essential that', 'It is important that', 'It is crucial that', 'It is vital that', or 'It is imperative that' are followed by a subject and then the base form of the verb (bare infinitive), regardless of the subject's person or number, and without tense agreement. So, you'd say, "It is essential that every student understand the guidelines," not "understands." Or, "It is important that they arrive on time," rather than "they arrive." This mandative subjunctive emphasizes the absolute necessity of the action, often seen in official documents, academic writing, or formal directives.
Finally, we have "It's Time We Went," a unique and often-used structure for expressing urgency or that something is overdue, usually in a polite but firm manner. The pattern is It's time + subject + past simple verb. Even though you're referring to a present or future action, the past simple tense is used after the subject to create a sense of implied obligation or delay. For instance, if a meeting is running late, you might say, "It's time we concluded this discussion," implying it's already past the ideal moment. Or, "It's time you took that promotion," suggesting it's high time for the action. This structure subtly conveys urgency without being overly aggressive, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal settings.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ The manager suggested that he starts the project immediately.
✓ The manager suggested that he start the project immediately.
*Explanation:* With verbs of suggestion followed by 'that', use the bare infinitive (base form of the verb) for a formal, authoritative tone.
  1. 1✗ It is crucial that she submits her report by Friday.
✓ It is crucial that she submit her report by Friday.
*Explanation:* After phrases like 'It is crucial that', 'essential that', etc., the verb must be in its base form (mandative subjunctive), ignoring standard third-person 's'.
  1. 1✗ It's time we address the budget deficit.
✓ It's time we addressed the budget deficit.
*Explanation:* To express that something is overdue or should happen now, use It's time + subject + the past simple verb.

Real Conversations

A

A

Good morning, everyone. I suggest that we focus on Q3 projections first, as they are time-sensitive.
B

B

I agree. It is essential that we ensure our financial forecasts are accurate before the board meeting.
A

A

The current project timeline seems overly ambitious. It's time we re-evaluated our resources.
B

B

I concur. I recommend that a new proposal be drafted, taking into account current staffing levels.
A

A

This discussion has been productive, but we've run out of time. It's time we moved to the next agenda item.
B

B

Absolutely. I suggest that we circulate the minutes of this meeting by end of day.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between "I suggest that you go" and "I suggest your going"?

"I suggest that you go" uses the subjunctive, which is more formal and implies a strong recommendation or directive. "I suggest your going" uses a possessive gerund, which is also grammatically correct but generally less formal and common in modern English for suggestions.

Q

Can I use the regular indicative (e.g., "I suggest that he goes") after "I suggest that..."?

Yes, you can. While the subjunctive ("he go") is more formal and authoritative, the indicative ("he goes") is increasingly used, especially in informal contexts. However, for C1-level formal communication and to convey a clear, strong suggestion, the subjunctive is preferred and sounds more sophisticated.

Q

Is "It's time we go" grammatically correct when expressing urgency?

No, for the specific meaning of something being overdue or that it's high time for an action, the construction requires the past simple tense: "It's time we went." "It's time we go" would usually be considered incorrect in this context by native speakers.

Q

Are these structures common in everyday English, or are they mostly for written formal contexts?

While they shine in written and very formal spoken contexts (like business meetings or academic presentations), "It's time we went" is quite common in everyday spoken English. The subjunctive for suggestions and necessity also appears in spoken language, especially when someone wants to sound decisive and professional.

Cultural Context

These grammatical structures, particularly the subjunctive forms, are hallmarks of polished, formal English. Native speakers often employ them instinctively in professional correspondence, academic papers, legal documents, and official speeches. While less frequent in casual conversation, using them demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and respect for formality. The "It's time we went" construction is widely used in both formal and informal settings, offering a polite but firm way to steer conversations or actions. Understanding when and how to deploy these patterns allows you to navigate the nuances of English communication with authority and grace.

Key Examples (6)

1

I suggest that `you arrive` early for the interview to prepare.

English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)
2

The manager recommends that `he submit` the report before lunch.

English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)
3

It is absolutely essential that you <b>understand</b> this concept before the exam.

English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)
4

The HR department insists that all new employees <b>complete</b> the mandatory training.

English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)
5

The movie is starting soon; it's time we took our seats.

It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)
6

It's time you explained why you're late for the team meeting.

It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)

Tips & Tricks (3)

🎯

The 'Be' Test

If you aren't sure if a sentence needs the subjunctive, try replacing the verb with 'be'. If 'be' sounds right (even if formal), you are in the subjunctive mood.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)
🎯

The 'Be' Test

If you aren't sure if a sentence needs the subjunctive, try replacing the verb with 'be'. If 'he be' sounds right in that context, use the subjunctive for other verbs too!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)
🎯

The 'About' Trick

If you aren't sure if you should use the past tense, try adding 'about'. If 'It's about time...' sounds right, you MUST use the past tense (e.g., 'went').
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)

Key Vocabulary (6)

propose to put forward a plan or suggestion imperative of vital importance; crucial stipulate to demand or specify a requirement overdue not having arrived or happened by the expected time mandatory required by law or rules; compulsory recommendation a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action

Real-World Preview

briefcase

The Boardroom Crisis

Review Summary

  • Subject + suggest/propose/recommend + that + Subject + Base Form
  • It is + essential/vital/imperative + that + Subject + Base Form
  • It's (high/about) time + Subject + Past Simple

Common Mistakes

In formal suggestions, we use the base form 'arrive' instead of the third-person 'arrives'.

Wrong: I suggest that he arrives early.
Correct: I suggest that he arrive early.

After adjectives of necessity, 'be' is used regardless of the subject.

Wrong: It is essential that she is here.
Correct: It is essential that she be here.

The phrase 'It's time' requires the past simple to show that the action is overdue in the present.

Wrong: It's time we go home.
Correct: It's time we went home.

Next Steps

You've just unlocked a level of English that many native speakers struggle with! Your ability to navigate formal registers will open doors in your professional life. Keep practicing these subtle structures—they make a huge impact.

Write a formal email to a boss suggesting a change in office policy.

Record yourself explaining three urgent tasks using 'It's high time'.

Continue to: Advanced Discourse and Text Structure

Quick Practice (9)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to be'.

I propose that the motion ___ postponed until the next session.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be
The subjunctive form of 'to be' is always 'be'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)

Choose the correct subjunctive form.

The manager insisted that he ___ the report by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: finish
After 'insisted that', we use the base form 'finish'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)

Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.

It's high time the children ___ to bed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: went
After 'It's high time', we use the Past Simple to show urgency.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)

Find and correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

It's time we leave for the airport.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's time we left for the airport.
The present 'leave' must be changed to the past 'left'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I suggest that she not go.
Negative subjunctive uses 'not' + base verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

It is essential that she doesn't forget her passport.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: doesn't -> not
In the negative subjunctive, we use 'not' instead of 'doesn't'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: Making Suggestions (I suggest that...)

Fill in the correct form of the verb 'to be'.

It is essential that he ___ ready by 8 AM.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be
After 'essential,' we use the base form 'be.'

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

It's about time you ___ (start) taking your studies seriously.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: started
The past simple 'started' is required after 'It's about time'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It's Time We Went (Expressing Urgency)

Find the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

The manager insisted that the report is finished today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
It should be 'be finished' (passive subjunctive).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: English Subjunctive: 'It is essential that...' (Mandative Subjunctive)

Score: /9

Common Questions (6)

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.
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.
In casual American English, you will hear this. However, in exams (IELTS/Cambridge) and formal writing, it is considered incorrect. You should use went.
About time is more common in conversation and sounds a bit more like a complaint. High time is more emphatic and slightly more formal.
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