Did you notice that the lyrics we read do not say "God saves the Queen" but "God save the Queen"? This is because the verb 'save' is in the subjunctive form--a verb form that we use to make requests. This line therefore means, "We request that God save the Queen".
Why do we use the Subjunctive?
We use subjunctive verbs in recommendations and hypothetical situations. This lesson will focus on forming recommendations and the next lesson will focus on forming hypothetical statements.
- If I were you, I would study. (hypothetical situation: 'I was you')
- I suggest that he study. (suggestion: 'he studies')
To express a suggestion or demand, use a subjunctive verb with a related verb/expression:
- I suggest that he study.
- I recommend that he study.
- I ask that he study.
- It is best that he study.
- It is essential that he study.
- It is important that he study.
- It is recommended that he study.
How do we use the Subjunctive?
The subjunctive is the plain form of the verb. This means that even if the subject is a singular third person, the verb does not take an 's' at the end:
- Sally exercises → I suggest that she exercise.
- John stops smoking → I insist that he stop smoking.
Note that we only use the present subjunctive for recommendations/requests:
- I suggest that he study.
- I suggested that he study. (= not 'studied')
To negate a subjunctive verb, add 'not' before it:
- Negative subjunctive: I suggest that he not study.
Remember: To put an active sentence, such as "I ate a banana," in the passive voice, make the object 'banana' the subject of the sentence and add the verb 'be' to the past participle form of the verb: 'A banana was eaten.' To put a subjunctive verb in the passive voice, use the plain form of the passive verb: 'be' + past participle.
- Passive Subjunctive: I suggest that he be fired.
