suggest that S + should V

[wotcha]

1) He suggested that we should have a party.

2) He suggested we have a party.

3) He suggested that we should not have a party.

4) He suggested we not have a party.


I know 1) 2) 3) are definitely correct, but... what about 4)? Can we omit ' that' and 'should' in that negative sentence?

 

[5jj]

4) He suggested we not have a party.


I know 1) 2) 3) are definitely correct, but... what about 4)? Can we omit ' that' and 'should' in that negative sentence?

It is technically correct as you have written it, but formal; because it is formal, most of the small number of speakers who might say this would use 'that'.

Most speakers of BrE would use 'should'; I would also use 'that'.

 

[philo2009]

A minor addendum to 5jj's answer: although formal-sounding in BrE, it is actually quite normal in (even spoken) AmE.

 

[5jj]

A minor addendum to 5jj's answer: although formal-sounding in BrE, it is actually quite normal in (even spoken) AmE.

Thanks. I should have thought of that.

 

[philo2009]

Possibly your subjunctive allergy playing up? ;-)

 

[5jj]

Possibly your subjunctive allergy playing up? ;-)

I suggest that Philo be careful, lest he cause my allergy to flare up again. :twisted:

 

[philo2009]

I suggest that Philo be careful, lest he cause my allergy to flare up again. :twisted:

Duly noted!