Subjunctive

Question

can i say

i expect that he takes the money....i mean as a indicative form ,just stating that he takes the money

now if i want to say...i expect that he take the money as a directive form ,stating that he must take it.Is it correct how can i use the subjunctive,must it be used with expect or not

thanks a lot

Caroline · Accepted Answer

Hi dan!

If you mean the first sentence as a recurring incident in the present which you are hypothesizing about, then I would say:

1) "I think / suppose he takes the money."

I would use expect only for something which is coming up, as in "I expect he will take the money" (i.e. the money hasn't yet been taken)

As for the second sentence expecting is very suitable since you are imposing your opinion. However it sounds much better like this -

2) "I expect him to take the money"

Subjunctive

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