Page 251 - Basic English Usage

253 332 — 334

332 subjunctive
1
The subjunctive is a special verb form that looks the same as the
infinitive. It is sometimes used to say that something should be done.
it’s important that everybody write to the President.
The Director asked that he be allowed to aavertise for more staff.
In British English the subjunctive is unusual. We usually express this
kind of idea with should.
It's important that everybody should write to the President.
The Director asked that he should be allowed to aavertise for more
staff.

We often use were instead of was after ifand / wish. (See 165 and 367.)
This is also a subjunctive.
If lwere you, | would stop smoking. | | wish | were on holiday now.

333 suggest

We do not use suggest with object + infinitive.
My uncle suggested that | should get a Job in a bank.
My uncle suggested getting a job in a bank.
(NOT My-unete-suggested-metoget .._)

334 such and so

We use such before a noun (with or without an adjective).
such (+ adjective) + noun
She's such a fool.
He’s got such patience.
I've never met such a nice person.
It was such a good film that | saw it twice.
We use so before an adjective alone (without a noun).
so + adjective
She's so stupid.
He’s so patient with her.
Your mother's so nice.
The film was so good that | saw it twice.
We cannot use either such or so with the or a possessive.
| am happy to visit your country — it's so beautiful.
(NOT ... yeurse-beautifulcoontry-)