Intermediate subjunctive. 45 questions on the past subjunctive were, hypothetical contexts, and subjunctive vs regular factual.
What this test covers
- Past Subjunctive: Were for All Persons
- Hypothetical Contexts: If/Wish/As If
- Subjunctive vs Indicative Meaning Contrast
Answer the 45 questions below. Each answer is checked straight away, with an explanation. Press Submit at the end to get your score and save it to your dashboard. Answers are not kept if you leave before submitting.
All 45 questions with answers
Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.
-
Q1If I ___ you, I would take that job offer.
Answer: B. were
This is a second conditional sentence, which describes a hypothetical or unreal situation. In the 'if' clause, we use the past subjunctive. While 'was' is common in informal speech, 'were' is the standard form for all subjects (I/he/she/it) when talking about something that is not true. 'Am' and 'be' are incorrect because the second conditional requires a past-tense form to show the situation is imaginary.
-
Q2I wish he ___ able to speak Spanish fluently.
Answer: C. were
After the verb 'wish,' we use the past subjunctive to express a desire for a present situation to be different. Similar to 'if' clauses, 'were' is used for all subjects (including 'he') in formal English to show the situation is currently unreal. Using 'is' or 'be' is incorrect because 'wish' triggers a shift to a past form. 'Was' is common in casual English, but 'were' is the preferred choice for grammar tests.
-
Q3She acts as if she ___ the owner of the company.
Answer: A. were
The conjunctions 'as if' and 'as though' are used to describe situations that are not actually true. To show this hypothetical state, we use the past subjunctive 'were' instead of the regular factual 'is.' Even though the subject 'she' usually takes 'is' or 'was,' 'were' highlights that she is not actually the owner. 'Be' is incorrect here as we need a conjugated past-tense form for this type of comparison.
-
Q4If it ___ not for the rain, we would play tennis outside.
Answer: D. were
This is a hypothetical condition (Second Conditional). The phrase 'If it were not for' is a standard way to say that one factor is preventing something else from happening. Because this is an imaginary situation (it is currently raining), we use the subjunctive 'were.' Using 'was' is common in speech but less formal, while 'is' and 'be' do not follow the conditional structure required by the result clause 'would play.'
-
Q5Were I to see him, I ___ tell him the truth.
Answer: A. would
This sentence uses inversion, where the word order is swapped ('Were I') to replace 'If I were.' This structure represents a formal hypothetical condition. In the second part of a second conditional sentence (the result clause), we use the modal 'would' followed by the base verb. 'Will,' 'can,' and 'shall' are used for real or likely situations (First Conditional), which does not match the formal 'Were I' start.
-
Q6I suggest that he ___ present at the meeting.
Answer: C. be
This is the mandative subjunctive, used after verbs of suggesting, recommending, or demanding. In this structure, the 'that' clause uses the base form of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'), regardless of the subject. Therefore, we use 'be' instead of 'is' or 'was.' Even though the subject is 'he,' we do not add an '-s' or change the form for tense in this formal construction.
-
Q7It is essential that she ___ on time for the interview.
Answer: B. arrive
Adjectives expressing importance or necessity, such as 'essential,' 'vital,' or 'imperative,' are followed by the mandative subjunctive. This means the verb in the 'that' clause must be in its base form. We use 'arrive' instead of 'arrives' or 'arrived.' In this formal structure, the verb does not change to match the third-person singular subject 'she.'
-
Q8The committee recommended that the project ___ finished by Friday.
Answer: B. be
The verb 'recommended' triggers the mandative subjunctive in the following 'that' clause. This requires the base form of the verb. In this case, we need the passive voice ('be finished'), so we use the base form 'be.' The regular factual forms 'is' and 'was' are incorrect in this formal recommendation, and 'were' is used for hypothetical conditions, not requirements.
-
Q9He studied hard lest he ___ the exam.
Answer: A. fail
'Lest' is a formal conjunction meaning 'for fear that' or 'to avoid the risk of.' It is traditionally followed by the subjunctive mood, which uses the base form of the verb. Therefore, we use 'fail' regardless of the subject 'he.' While modern English often uses 'might fail' or 'should fail,' in a strictly subjunctive context, the base form 'fail' is the correct choice over 'fails' or 'failed.'
-
Q10It is high time we ___ home.
Answer: A. went
The expressions 'It is time' or 'It is high time' are followed by the past simple tense to indicate that something should happen immediately or is overdue. Even though we are talking about the present or future, we use the 'unreal past' (went). Using 'go' or 'are going' is a common mistake; the structure requires the past form to add a sense of urgency.
-
Q11God ___ the Queen!
Answer: D. save
This is a formulaic subjunctive, which is a fixed expression or set phrase used to express a wish or hope. These phrases always use the base form of the verb. 'Save' is used here instead of the standard third-person 'saves' to express the prayer or wish that God may protect the monarch. This is a traditional grammatical remnant still used in formal titles and slogans.
-
Q12If they ___ taller, they would be basketball players.
Answer: B. were
This is a second conditional sentence used for an unreal present situation (they are not actually tall). In the 'if' clause, we use the past subjunctive 'were.' For plural subjects like 'they,' 'were' is also the regular past tense, but in the subjunctive mood, 'were' is the standard for all subjects. 'Are' is incorrect because 'would' in the main clause shows the situation is hypothetical.
-
Q13I wish she ___ here to see this.
Answer: D. were
After the verb 'wish,' we use the past subjunctive 'were' to talk about things we want to be true but are not. This shows a hypothetical present state. 'Were' is preferred over 'was' in formal English for all subjects. 'Is' and 'be' are incorrect because they do not reflect the 'unreal' nature of the wish.
-
Q14He talks as though he ___ in charge of the project.
Answer: D. were
'As though' (like 'as if') is used to describe a situation that is not true. To show this, we use the past subjunctive 'were.' Using 'is' would suggest he actually is in charge, while 'were' signals that he is only acting that way. Even though 'he' is singular, the subjunctive 'were' is the standard form for these imaginary comparisons.
-
Q15If it ___ not so cold, we would go for a walk.
Answer: B. were
This is a classic second conditional structure. The context clue 'would go' in the result clause indicates that the condition is unreal or hypothetical. Therefore, we use the past subjunctive 'were' in the 'if' clause. 'Is' and 'was' do not fit the formal requirements for a hypothetical condition in the present.
-
Q16I demand that you ___ quiet during the performance.
Answer: A. be
The verb 'demand' is a 'bossy' verb that requires the mandative subjunctive in the following 'that' clause. This means we must use the base form of the verb. 'Be' is the base form, whereas 'are' is the regular factual form. Even if the subject is 'you,' the subjunctive form remains 'be' to express the requirement or order.
-
Q17It is vital that they ___ informed of the changes.
Answer: A. be
The adjective 'vital' expresses a strong necessity, which triggers the mandative subjunctive. In a 'that' clause following 'vital,' the verb must be in its base form. Because this is a passive construction (they need to receive information), we use 'be' + 'informed.' 'Are' and 'were' are regular factual or past forms and do not fit this formal requirement for necessity.
-
Q18She insisted that he ___ there on time.
Answer: A. be
'Insist' is a verb of requirement that takes the mandative subjunctive. This means the verb in the 'that' clause must be the base form 'be,' regardless of the subject 'he.' In non-subjunctive English, we would say 'he is,' but because she is making a demand, the subjunctive 'be' is used to show the action is required.
-
Q19Far ___ it from me to criticize your work.
Answer: D. be
This is a formulaic subjunctive expression. A formulaic subjunctive is a fixed, traditional phrase that doesn't follow normal modern tense rules. The phrase 'Far be it from me' is used to introduce a statement where you want to sound polite or modest while actually offering an opinion. It always uses the base form 'be.'
-
Q20It is time he ___ his responsibilities.
Answer: B. accepted
Phrases like 'It is time' or 'It is high time' are followed by the past simple to show that something should be happening now but isn't. This use of the past tense to describe a present need is a type of subjunctive. 'Accepted' is the correct past form. Using the present forms 'accept' or 'accepts' is a common error in this specific idiomatic structure.
-
Q21If we ___ in your shoes, we would apologize.
Answer: A. were
The idiom 'in your shoes' means 'in your position.' This is a purely hypothetical situation (we are not you), so we use the second conditional. In the 'if' clause of a second conditional, the past subjunctive 'were' is used. For the subject 'we,' 'were' is also the regular past tense, but 'be,' 'was,' and 'am' are grammatically incorrect in this conditional context.
-
Q22I wish I ___ not so busy this weekend.
Answer: A. were
'Wish' followed by a clause about the present requires the past subjunctive. This shows the speaker is currently busy but wants that to change. In formal grammar, 'were' is used for all subjects in this position, including 'I.' 'Was' is used in everyday conversation, but 'were' remains the standard for tests and formal writing.
-
Q23She behaves as if she ___ a member of the royal family.
Answer: D. were
The phrase 'as if' introduces a situation that is not real (she is not actually royalty). This requires the past subjunctive 'were' to emphasize the imaginary nature of the comparison. 'Is' would suggest she actually is a member, and 'be' is not a conjugated past form. Even with the singular subject 'she,' 'were' is the correct subjunctive choice.
-
Q24Were they to arrive early, we ___ have to change our plans.
Answer: C. would
This sentence uses an inverted subjunctive ('Were they to arrive' instead of 'If they arrived'). This formal structure indicates a hypothetical future possibility. In the result clause, we use 'would' to match the unreal nature of the 'if' part. 'Will' and 'can' are used for real, likely possibilities.
-
Q25I propose that the meeting ___ held in the main hall.
Answer: B. be
The verb 'propose' expresses a suggestion or plan, which triggers the mandative subjunctive in the 'that' clause. The subjunctive uses the base form of the verb. In this passive structure, the base form is 'be' (be held). 'Is' and 'was' are regular factual forms and do not correctly follow a verb of proposal.
-
Q26It is necessary that he ___ present for the vote.
Answer: A. be
The adjective 'necessary' is a context clue indicating a requirement. This triggers the mandative subjunctive. In the 'that' clause, we use the base form of the verb 'be.' Even though the subject 'he' normally takes 'is,' the subjunctive form 'be' is required here to show necessity.
-
Q27She requested that he ___ allowed to leave early.
Answer: C. be
'Request' is a verb that indicates a desire or demand, triggering the mandative subjunctive in the following 'that' clause. We use the base form of the verb, which is 'be' in this passive construction ('be allowed'). 'Was' and 'is' are regular factual forms, and 'were' is for hypotheticals, not formal requests.
-
Q28She walked quietly lest she ___ heard.
Answer: B. be
The conjunction 'lest' means 'to prevent the possibility of.' In formal English, 'lest' is followed by the subjunctive mood, which uses the base form of the verb. Here, we use the passive base form 'be' (be heard). 'Is,' 'was,' and 'were' do not follow the grammatical rule associated with 'lest.'
-
Q29Come what ___, we will finish the task.
Answer: C. may
'Come what may' is a fixed formulaic subjunctive expression. It means 'no matter what happens.' This specific phrase is a set idiom in English that always uses 'may' to express a sense of possibility or concession in a hypothetical future.
-
Q30Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'It is time he tells the truth.'
Answer: A. It is time he told the truth.
After the phrase 'It is time,' we use the past simple tense ('told') to indicate that an action is overdue or should have already happened. This is called the 'unreal past.' The present tense 'tells' or the base form 'tell' are incorrect in this specific idiomatic structure.
-
Q31Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'If I was you, I would go.'
Answer: D. If I were you, I would go.
This is a second conditional sentence. Because being 'you' is an impossible or hypothetical state, we must use the past subjunctive 'were.' While 'If I was' is common in casual speech, 'If I were' is the standard correct form in formal grammar and proficiency tests.
-
Q32Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'I suggest he goes to the doctor.'
Answer: C. I suggest he go to the doctor.
The verb 'suggest' triggers the mandative subjunctive. This requires the base form of the next verb ('go'), even when the subject is 'he.' We do not use the third-person 'goes' or the past tense 'went' in this formal 'that' clause construction.
-
Q33Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'She acts as if she is the boss.'
Answer: B. She acts as if she were the boss.
'As if' is used for hypothetical comparisons. Since she is not actually the boss, we use the past subjunctive 'were.' 'Is' suggests the statement is a fact, while 'were' correctly signals that the situation is imaginary or untrue.
-
Q34Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'It is vital he is there.'
Answer: A. It is vital he be there.
'Vital' is an adjective of necessity. It triggers the mandative subjunctive, which uses the base form of the verb ('be'). Using 'is' or 'was' treats the situation as a simple fact, but 'be' emphasizes the requirement or importance of the action.
-
Q35Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'I wish I was taller.'
Answer: B. I wish I were taller.
After 'wish,' we use the past subjunctive 'were' to express a desire for something that is currently not true. 'Were' is the grammatically correct choice for all subjects in this context. 'Was' is common in informal English but is generally avoided in formal writing and exams.
-
Q36Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'If he was here, he would help.'
Answer: C. If he were here, he would help.
This is a second conditional sentence about an unreal present situation (he is not here). The 'if' clause requires the past subjunctive 'were.' 'Was' is frequently used in spoken English, but 'were' is the formal standard for hypothetical 'if' clauses.
-
Q37Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'I recommend she stays home.'
Answer: A. I recommend she stay home.
The verb 'recommend' is followed by the mandative subjunctive in a 'that' clause. This means we use the base form of the verb ('stay'). We do not use the third-person form 'stays' or the past tense 'stayed' in this specific grammar structure.
-
Q38Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'It is time we go.'
Answer: A. It is time we went.
The expression 'It is time' requires the past simple tense to show that an action is overdue. Even though we are talking about going now, the structure 'It is time we went' is the correct way to express this urgency. 'Go' and 'are going' are incorrect in this pattern.
-
Q39Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'He ran lest he will be late.'
Answer: D. He ran lest he be late.
'Lest' is a formal conjunction followed by the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb, which is 'be.' Modern English might use 'should be,' but 'will be' and 'was' are incorrect after 'lest.'
-
Q40Choose the correct version of the sentence: 'Were I was there, I would help.'
Answer: B. Were I there, I would help.
This sentence uses inversion to express a conditional 'if' clause. 'Were I there' is a formal way of saying 'If I were there.' Adding 'was' (as in 'Were I was') is redundant and grammatically incorrect because 'were' already acts as the verb.
-
Q41Which sentence is correct?
Answer: D. If I were you, I would go.
In a second conditional (hypothetical) sentence, 'if' clauses use the past subjunctive. 'Were' is the standard form for all subjects. 'Was' is informal, 'am' is for real present situations, and 'be' is a base form that doesn't fit the 'if' clause structure here.
-
Q42Which sentence is correct?
Answer: A. I suggest he be there.
After 'suggest,' we use the mandative subjunctive, which requires the base form of the verb. 'Be' is the base form. Forms like 'is' (regular factual), 'was' (past), and 'were' (past subjunctive/hypothetical) do not fit this specific structure for suggestions.
-
Q43Which sentence is correct?
Answer: A. I wish I were taller.
The verb 'wish' used for a present regret requires the past subjunctive. In formal English, 'were' is the correct form for all subjects (I/you/he/she/it/we/they). 'Was' is common in conversation but 'were' is the standard academic choice.
-
Q44Which sentence is correct?
Answer: D. He acts as if he were the boss.
'As if' describes a situation that is not a fact. To signal this hypothetical state, we use the past subjunctive 'were.' 'Is' would imply he might actually be the boss, while 'were' confirms that he is only behaving that way.
-
Q45Which sentence is correct?
Answer: C. It is essential that he be there.
'Essential' is an adjective of necessity. It requires the mandative subjunctive in the following 'that' clause. The mandative subjunctive always uses the base form of the verb, which is 'be.' Indicative forms like 'is' or past forms like 'was' are incorrect in this formal pattern.
Done? Submit to get your score.
Answer at least one question to submit. Questions you leave out count as skipped.