Somsak's supervisor sends a stern email about the qualification review. Anna helps him read it. 'The board recommends that Mr. Somsak submit his report by Friday. It is essential that he be present for the interview, and the panel insists that all documents be translated in advance.'

Somsak looks confused. 'Why is it he be, not he is? And documents be translated, not documents are translated? Is this a mistake?' 'No mistake,' Anna laughs. 'That's the subjunctive mood — a special verb form used after certain verbs and expressions of importance, recommendation, or demand: recommend, suggest, insist, demand, essential, important, vital. After these, we use the base form of the verb, even for he/she/it, and even in the past.'

'So it's always the base form? Not is, not was?' Somsak asks. 'Exactly — he be present, not he is present or he was present. Compare: The board recommends that he submit the report (not submits). It was essential that she arrive on time (not arrived).' Nok jumps in. 'It sounds a bit old-fashioned to me.' 'It does feel formal,' Anna agrees, 'which is exactly why it appears in official emails, contracts, and reports — precisely where Somsak needs it most right now.' 🔊