AULAFYCurso abierto de inglés C1
HomeCourseConstitutional Law, Rights & FreedomsGrammar Focus
Constitutional Law, Rights & FreedomsL02
grammar

Grammar Focus

Detailed explanation, examples and controlled practice for the unit grammar point.

60 minC1c1grammarconstitutional-law-rights-freedomssubjunctiveformal englishbare infinitivemandate

Lesson objectives

  • Recognise and control The subjunctive mood (I suggest she leave; it is vital that he be informed).
  • Notice common errors Spanish-speaking learners make at advanced level.
  • Apply the structure in exam-style sentences related to constitutional law, rights & freedoms.

Explicación (en español)

El modo subjuntivo en inglés es mucho más limitado que en español, pero es fundamental para alcanzar un nivel C1. A diferencia del español, donde el subjuntivo cambia la terminación del verbo de forma drástica (ej. yo quiera que él venga), el inglés utiliza una forma "base" o "bare infinitive" (el infinitivo sin to). Esto significa que el verbo no cambia según la persona; no se añade la "-s" de la tercera persona del singular. Por ejemplo, no decimos "it is vital that he is informed", sino "it is vital that he be informed".

Este uso se activa principalmente con verbos de mandato, sugerencia, petición o necesidad (como suggest, insist, demand, recommend, require) y con ciertas expresiones impersonales (como it is essential that, it is vital that, it is crucial that). La estructura es: Sujeto 1 + Verbo de mandato + that + Sujeto 2 + Verbo en forma base. Este uso es común en contextos formales, como el lenguaje jurídico, legal o académico, donde se establecen normas o requisitos.

Un error muy común entre los hispanohablantes es intentar aplicar las reglas de la tercera persona (he/she/it) cuando usan el subjuntivo. En español estamos acostumbrados a que el verbo cambie, pero en inglés, si el contexto requiere subjuntivo, el verbo debe permanecer en su forma pura. Por ejemplo, decir "I suggest that she goes" es un error gramatical en este contexto; lo correcto es "I suggest that she go".

Es importante notar que, en el inglés británico moderno, a menudo se utiliza la cláusula con should (I suggest that she should go) como alternativa. Sin embargo, para los exámenes de Cambridge (C1/C2), dominar la forma pura del subjuntivo es esencial para demostrar sofisticación y precisión léxica.

Form — estructura

Context Structure Example
Affirmative Subject + Verb (base form) It is essential that he sign the treaty.
Negative Subject + not + Verb (base form) I suggest that they not interfere in the election.
Passive Subjunctive Subject + be + Past Participle The law requires that the prisoner be released.

Examples

  1. The judge demanded that the witness tell the truth. (El juez exigió que el testigo dijera la verdad.)
  2. It is vital that every citizen exercise their right to vote. (Es vital que cada ciudadano ejerza su derecho al voto.)
  3. The constitution requires that the President be elected by the people. (La constitución requiere que el Presidente sea elegido por el pueblo.)
  4. I suggest that the government not amend the human rights act so hastily. (Sugiero que el gobierno no modifique la ley de derechos humanos tan apresuradamente.)
  5. It is crucial that the defendant not be intimidated during the trial. (Es crucial que el acusado no sea intimidado durante el juicio.)
  6. The committee recommended that the law be reviewed immediately. (El comité recomendó que la ley fuera revisada inmediatamente.)
  7. It is essential that no person be deprived of their liberty without due process. (Es esencial que ninguna persona sea privada de su libertad sin el debido proceso.)
  8. We insist that the treaty remain in full force. (Insistimos en que el tratado permanezca plenamente vigente.)

Contrast

  1. ✗ It is necessary that he stays in the country. / ✓ It is necessary that he stay in the country. (Error: Se añadió la "-s" de tercera persona. El subjuntivo requiere la forma base).

  2. ✗ The law requires that she is informed of her rights. / ✓ The law requires that she be informed of her rights. (Error: Se usó el indicativo "is" en lugar de la forma pasiva del subjuntivo "be").

  3. ✗ I suggest that he doesn't leave the country. / ✓ I suggest that he not leave the country. (Error: Se usó el auxiliar "does". En el subjuntivo negativo, se coloca "not" directamente antes del verbo).

  4. ✗ It is vital that the prisoner was released. / ✓ It is vital that the prisoner be released. (Error: Se usó el pasado. El subjuntivo no tiene tiempo pasado; se usa la forma base para expresar deseo o necesidad presente/futura).

Mini-quiz — 10 preguntas

Part 1: Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

  1. The Supreme Court ordered that the law ___ (be) overturned.
  2. It is essential that the prosecutor ___ (present) all evidence.
  3. I suggest that the committee ___ (not make) a decision until tomorrow.
  4. The treaty requires that each nation ___ (respect) international borders.

Part 2: Multiple Choice. Choose the correct option (a, b, or c).

  1. It is crucial that the victim ___ protected. a) is b) be c) was

  2. The council demands that the protest ___ peaceful. a) be b) is c) being

  3. It is necessary that he ___ his lawyer before signing. a) consults b) consulted c) consult

Part 3: Sentence Transformation. Rewrite the sentence using the word in bold so that it has a similar meaning.

  1. It is vital that he tells the truth. (TELL) It is vital that he ________ the truth.

  2. The law says the prisoner must be released. (REQUIRES) The law requires that the prisoner ________.

  3. I suggest that we do not change the law now. (NOT) I suggest that the law ________ now.

Respuestas: 1. be | 2. present | 3. not make | 4. respect | 5. b | 6. a | 7. c | 8. tell | 9. be released | 10. not be changed (or: not change)