Question about subjunctive

[Barb_D]

The subjunctive is used in a couple different situations.

One is the unreal condition. That's the if, as if, if only, I wish, etc.
That takes the "were."
I want to be rich, but I'm not: If I were rich.
He pretended to be angry, but he was not: He really fooled that guy when he acted as if he were angry.

The other is that category of demand, require, insist, etc.
That takes the bare infinitive.
I insist is be seen at once!
She demanded he leave.

You can't treat both types of the subjunctive the same way. I am not well-schooled in the subjunctive, so I don't know why they are both called the same thing. They feel very different to me, and if I got to name them, I would choose different names!

(There may be other types too, and I'd be happy to learn or be reminded of them as well!)

[MASM]

As far as I've read it has three uses.

-As Barb_D said, with insist, ask, recommend, essential...

It was important that James contact Arthur as soon as possible

- If I were you. I wish it were Saturday.

- Fixed Phrases: God save the Queen! Heaven forbid.

Very interesting thread. Thank you all!

[abdoss]

Yeah,it is really a very interesting thread.
Many thanks to all the participants: TheParser ,Barb_D,birdeen's call and MASM as well

I'm ready to help anyone to understand the subjunctive.
If you have any questions just post it here.

See you Mr TheParser in another conversation.Have a great time.

Thaaaaanks brothers.