大学体验英语(二)

General Writing: The Subjunctive Mood (Tense Form)

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The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, orders or statements contrary to fact. In these types of statements the subjunctive were is used instead of the indicative was. The present subjunctive form of the verb to be is invariably be for all persons, and the past subjunctive form of the verb to be is invariably were. In all other verbs the subjunctive form varies from the indicative only in that, in the present tense, the third person singular ending is lost.
Examples:
　　　　I wish I were a little girl. (wish)
　　　　I suggest that he take the subway to his friend’s house. (suggestion)
　　　　The instructions were that ten sentences be revised. (order)
　　　　If I were you, I would give his suggestion strong consideration. (statement contrary to fact)

1. Select the correct form of the verb in parentheses, and write it in the space on the right.
Example: I wish that I (were, was) playing golf this afternoon. were
1. It is necessary that Tom (returns, return) the books to the library today.
2. I insist that the Council (reconsider, reconsiders) its decision.
3. Our decision is that the school (remains, remain) closed.
4. The committee recommends that the budget (is,be) discussed at the next meeting.
5. If I (were, was) Mr. Willard, I’d sell that those gold-mine stocks today.

Anwser: 1. return 2. reconsider 3. remain 4. be 5. were