Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[dhshim3]

In the followings, which is/are gramatically accepted forms of expression?

1. It is imperative that these claims are dealt with quickly.
2. It is imperative thest claims are dealt with quickly.
3. It is imperative that these claims be dealt with quickly.
4. It is imperative these clamins be dealt with quickly.

[IanT]

They are all more or less OK.

It is a little more correct to include "that", as in examples 1 and 3.

I would say that 1 is more common than 3, these days.

3 is very formal and precise, as the "be" is a kind of subjunctive. But these subjunctive uses are gradually disappearing.

So I'd say 3 in an exam, 1 for most purposes, and 2 is ok.

4 sounds a bit strange to me, because if you used "be" you'd probably include "that" also. As it is, it sounds half formal, half not.

Hope helps,
Ian
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