In formal writing, I often see structures like “It is essential that he be informed” instead of “he is informed.” Can someone explain how the subjunctive mood works in English and when it’s appropriate to use?

Question

Answer

Hi,
The subjunctive mood is used to express demands, suggestions, wishes, or hypothetical situations. In formal writing, after verbs like “suggest,” “recommend,” “insist,” or adjectives like “essential,” “important,” we use the base form of the verb:
	•	It is essential that he be informed.
	•	They insisted that she leave immediately.

It’s most common in formal or academic English.

Answer

I want you (to learn) Arabic. (command statement) uses infinitive form.

Answer

Yes. In formal writing, the subjunctive mood is used to express:

Wishes: I wish he were here.

Demands, suggestions, or necessity (often with "that"): It is essential that he be informed.

Structure:
that + subject + base verb (no "s" for 3rd person)

Examples:

They recommended that she go.

It’s important that he be ready.

Use the subjunctive after verbs/phrases like:
suggest, recommend, demand, insist, essential, important, vital, etc.

It’s formal and common in writing, less so in everyday speech.

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