it is best she learn this

Question

Hi!This is a grammar phenomenon I frequently heard/read on DVDs and it puzzles me."It is best she learn this from a family member."Now, why "she learn" and why not "she learnssssssss"? What is the name of this sentence structure? I'd like to search for it in my books of  English.Also, could you give more examples? I'd like to make sure there actually is a pattern in what flabbergasted me. I'm sure in my example the first part of the sentence is important. An example phrase with this part in the end (or even in the middle) would be very nice as I can't think of any.Thank you.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

It is subjunctive mood.
Here are some examples:
http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-subjunctive.htm

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your answer. I'm sorry for the delay in writing this note (I had no choice).

Philip · Answer

AnonymousThank you for your answer. I'm sorry for the delay in writing this note (I had no choice).

Appreciation is always better late than never

.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymouswhy "she learn" and why not "she learnssssssss"? What is the name of this sentence structure?

It could be listed under "mandative", "subjunctive", or "mandative subjunctive". Basically, it's just "No s on the verb in the subordinate clause after certain expressions. (It is best (that), It is important (that), I insist (that), I demand (that), It is required (that), The requirement is that ...)

Anonymouscould you give more examples?

It's important that Johnny take his medicine.
We suggest that Laura take the bus to work.
It is not recommended that she go there by herself.
The teacher insisted that the student learn the irregular verbs.
The boss demanded that the employee write the report immediately.
The requirement that Mr. Peters sign the papers by Tuesday cannot be changed.

CJ

it is best she learn this

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions