BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Doubt regarding Subjunctive mood

Expert replies
by madddie » Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:15 am
Hey guys...
I am still confused regarding when to use subjunctive mood and when to use the normal

The law requires of the tenants that debt be payed immediately
The law requires tenants to pay the debt immediately

Which sentence is correct and under what context?
Join the discussion
Source: — Sentence Correction |

by Geva@EconomistGMAT » Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:36 am
madddie wrote:Hey guys...
I am still confused regarding when to use subjunctive mood and when to use the normal

The law requires of the tenants that debt be payed immediately
The law requires tenants to pay the debt immediately

Which sentence is correct and under what context?
1) It's actually
The law requires of the tenants that the (or any, or some other article) debt be payed immediately.

2) Both are actually fine, and a GMAT sentence correction question should not pit both forms against each other and ask you to decide based on the subjunctive alone (although if a problem presented both cases above, the second one will be chosen for purely stylistic reasons as it is a more concise and effective version.)

3) Where the subjunctive mood will likely be tested is with the specific issue that the verb should follow in base form: not should be paid, not will be paid - just be paid. Thus, the answer choices you are more likely to encounter are
The law requires of the tenants that the debt be payed immediately

Vs.

The law requires of the tenants that debt will be payed immediately

With the first option being the more grammatically correct one.
Geva
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT
1-888-780-GMAT
https://www.mastergmat.com
Join the discussion

by madddie » Mon Jun 27, 2011 1:58 pm
Thanks a Lot!!!
That was really a great explanation.....
Join the discussion

• Page 1 of 1