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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Verbs

Hello. In the following sentence by William Strunk and E. B. White, why verb form does not change into the third person singular?

"This requires not that the writer make [makes?] all sentences short, or avoid [avoids?] all detail and treat [treats?] subjects only in outline, but that every word tell [tells?]." (William Strunk & E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2000, p. 23)

Thank you!
  

Top answer

Anonymous why does the verb form does not change into the third person singular? The verb 'require' takes a mandative (present subjunctive) construction. The barrier on the road requires that the driver make a detour.

— CalifJim

  • Anonymous why does the verb form does not change into the third person singular?
  • The verb 'require' takes a mandative (present subjunctive) construction.
  • The barrier on the road requires that the driver make a detour.
  • The rules don't require that the speaker reveal the source of his data.
  • The situation required that the accused man appear in court within 10 days.
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4 Answers
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Anonymouswhy does the verb form does not change into the third person singular?
The verb 'require' takes a mandative (present subjunctive) construction.

The barrier on the road requires that the driver make a detour.
The rules don't require that the speaker reveal the source of his data.
The situa
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Thank you very much.

Is this a rule that must be always followed?

Or are there exceptions?

Thank you.
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AnonymousIs this a rule that must be always followed?
Not really. Some writers use the normal third-person singular form with the 's'.

I always follow the rule, though. I think writing sounds more polished and professional that way.

CJ
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The present subjunctive is rarely used in BrE.
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