Subjunctive

Question

We recommend that the president fire the sales manager. [Subjunctive]
We recommend that the president fires the sales manager. [Indicative]
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I thought subjunctive mood is the only possible mood here. Are they both correct? (I mean without paraphrasing the sentence)

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

I can imagine myself saying the first, but not the second. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Just the truth · Answer

Maverick wrote:
I thought subjunctive mood is the only possible mood here. Are they both correct? (I mean without paraphrasing the sentence)

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JTT: The subjunctive is MERELY a remnant of older English forms. All subjunctive styles can be replaced by other forms and the meaning stays the same though there are differences in formality.

http://www.bartleby.com/64/C001/061.html

Whether he be opposed to the plan or not, we must seek his opinion.
Even though he be opposed to the plan, we must try to implement it.
They are rewriting the proposal so that it not contradict new zoning laws.

The subjunctive is not required in such sentences, however, and you can use indicative forms if you prefer (whether he is opposed …).

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Subjunctive

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