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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
The subjunctive?
Hi. Which is correct?
He suggests (that - optional?) money to be paid.
He suggests money be paid.
I think this is correct.
He suggested money be paid.
He suggests (that - optional?) money to be paid.
He suggests money be paid.
I think this is correct.
He suggested money be paid.
Top answer
Versions two and three are fine. "That" is optional in versions two and three. The infinitive doesn't work with "suggests" in the first one.
- Versions two and three are fine.
- "That" is optional in versions two and three.
- The infinitive doesn't work with "suggests" in the first one.
- " I think, as you perhaps suspect, that "to suggest" evokes the subjunctive, while the other verbs do not.
- But I'm not 100% sure.
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3 Answers
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Versions two and three are fine. "That" is optional in versions two and three.
The infinitive doesn't work with "suggests" in the first one. You can say, "He wants / likes / expects money to be paid."
You can also say, "He expects / hopes [that] money will be paid."
I think, as you perhaps suspect, that "to suggest" evokes the subjunctive,
The infinitive doesn't work with "suggests" in the first one. You can say, "He wants / likes / expects money to be paid."
You can also say, "He expects / hopes [that] money will be paid."
I think, as you perhaps suspect, that "to suggest" evokes the subjunctive,
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Avangi - you are exactly right. "wish", "suggest", "order", "recommend" all these (and others) evoke the subjunctive.
EDIT - Here is an excellent list of verbs and expressions and rules for subjunctive.
EDIT - Here is an excellent list of verbs and expressions and rules for subjunctive.
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