be / is

[Gorkem Atay]

I saw a sentence in my book like ''It is important that everybody be told truth''. Why isn't it like ''It is important that everbody is told truth''.

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Hello. Gorkem Atay:

As I understand it, there are three acceptable ways to say that:

1. It is important that everybody be told the truth.

2. It is important that everybody should be told the truth.

3. It is important that everybody is told the truth.


*****


Here in the United States, #1 is still the preferred way.

"Be" is called the subjunctive.

One uses the subjunctive when referring to something that is not a reality.

Maybe these examples would be easier to understand:

4. I demand that you be / should be/ are at the office by 8 a.m. tomorrow.

a. I am talking about tomorrow.
b. I am talking about something that I demand.
c. Maybe you will not obey my demand.
d. There is no reality to that sentence. So that is why Americans usually would not use "are." "Are" refers to reality: "They are at the office now."


James

 

[Gorkem Atay]

Hello TheParser,

This information enlighten me so much not only for this title but also for another issues in my head. Thanks for your detailed answer.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Parser, this is a different kind of subjunctive. It is called the mandative subjunctive. It does not depend on the subject being hypothetical or counter-factual. It is used following verbs that deal with demand, request, recommendation, or expectation (among others).

I demand that he be there.
I request that he be there.
I recommend that he be there.
I expect that he be there.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Mandative. I like that!