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Candice
Why not use "is" instead of "be" in the following sentence?
We must ensure that development of the economy is based on science and technology and that development of science and technology be(why not use"is" here?) based on the needs of economy.
Apr 29, 2016 7:30 AM
Answers · 4
1
The 'be' is a subjunctive, triggered by the phrase 'we must ensure that...' . We don't use the subjunctive as much as other languages, but this is a case where we do use it.
Could you replace the 'be' with a simple 'is'? Yes, you could. You don't have to use a subjunctive here.
April 29, 2016
1
In this case, you can choose either "is" or "be", but you should be consistent. There is only one verb "ensure", which is used for both clauses.
It would be more normal these days to use "is/are" with verbs like "ensure". The use of "be" is the subjunctive present form of "to be". It is formal. My writing style is quite formal and I would never use it. Modern American writers use the subjunctive more often than British writers but I am not sure if they would use it with "ensure".
April 29, 2016
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Candice
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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