grammar -- subjunctive mood
Lately I'm reviewing subjunctive mood and here comes the sentence "it is important that he work hard".

Since this is an example in subjunctive mood, there is no S following "work",it is WORK, not WORKS.

But if I remember correctly, there is also the sentence as "it is important that he works hard". I guess this is a declarative one.

This is really confusing. If a sentence like the first one comes to me, how could I determine it is a correct one in subjuctive mood or it is just a wrong sentence.

Thanks for your help.

Question

grammar -- subjunctive mood
Lately I'm reviewing subjunctive mood and here comes the sentence "it is important that he work hard".

Since this is an example in subjunctive mood, there is no S following "work",it is WORK, not WORKS.

But if I remember correctly, there is also the sentence as "it is important that he works hard". I guess this is a declarative one.

This is really confusing. If a sentence like the first one comes to me, how could I determine it is a correct one in subjuctive mood or it is just a wrong sentence.

Thanks for your help.

Answer

If the intention is about importance, or urgency, or a demand, then you use the subjunctive.  Look at it as a kind of imperative, but with a subject. :)

When you use indicative ("...that he works hard"), then you are talking about an action already in reality.  Subjunctive actions don't exist in reality, but they are strongly wished-for.

That said, it sometimes sounds formal and even archaic. Still, it's important to know how it's used because we do notice if it's wrongly used or missing! :)

Answer

You're basically correct. The two sentences do have different meanings.

"It is important that he work hard" means "He should work hard. It is important." Present subjunctive

"It is important that he works hard" means "He is working hard, and that is important." Present indicative (declarative).

I do agree that most English speakers would understand from context if you use the indicative but mean to use the subjunctive, or vice versa.

Answer

You can say either 'work' or 'works' in that sentence. Both sound OK. English native speakers don't even know the difference.

Answer

Ryan, you are talking about conditionals.  She  is asking about the subjunctive mood.  They are two totally different things.  By the way, we normally recommend students to learn English using English, not Chinese, as the learning tool.  It is high time you reviewed your approach.

Answer

你要是有兴趣我可以继续发，要是没有就算了，呵呵。高中语法。