suggest that S + should V

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wotcha

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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

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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

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

5jj

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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. :oops:
 

philo2009

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Possibly your subjunctive allergy playing up? ;-)
 

5jj

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Possibly your subjunctive allergy playing up? ;-)
I suggest that Philo be careful, lest he cause my allergy to flare up again. :twisted:
 
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