Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[lenin95]

We suggested (that) he go home alone.

We say here "that he go" and not "that he goes". I wonder if this rule is used with other verbs or only in the phrase "to suggest that ..."?

Thanks

Matt

[rice07]

Hi

Here put in my two cents' worth:

Cited 'Practical English Usage' as saying: Ordinary verbs only have one subjunctive form: a third person sigular present with no -(e)s (e.g. she see). It is sometimes used in that-clauses in a formal style, especially in American English, after words which express the idea that something is important or desirable (e.g. suggest, recommend, ask, insist, vital, essential, important, advice).
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1.He suggests that she get a job in a bank.

2.He suggested that she get a job in a bank.

3.We suggested (that) he go home alone.


Hope that helps.

rice