"I suggested that he come/comes/should come."

[Odessa Dawn]

I suggest that he come. (Subjunctive)
I suggest that he comes. (Indicative)
I suggest that he should come. (Modal)

I think that #1 and #2 have the same meaning. However, #3 differs from #1 and #2. Am I correct, please?

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[5jj]

No

They can all have the same meaning in BrE.

 

[Raymott]

They can, but not necessarily, especially if you change it a little.
"I suggest that you come."
"I suggest that you should come."
In the second, "I" am making a stronger suggestion (for me anyway, in AusE).

 

[MikeNewYork]

I think that #1 and #2 have the same meaning. However, #3 differs from #1 and #2. Am I correct, please?

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The second form (indicative) would be considered incorrect by many, at least in AmE.

 

[5jj]

They can, but not necessarily, especially if you change it a little.
"I suggest that you come."
"I suggest that you should come."
In the second, "I" am making a stronger suggestion (for me anyway, in AusE).

It can have this suggestion (;-)) in BrE, too.

Context is very important, but (to over-simplify for the sake of brevity):

If I make a suggestion to somebody with the words I suggest that you should come, this is probably stronger than I suggest that you come.
If I report a suggestion, then there is probably no difference between I suggested that he came, i suggested that he come and I suggested that he should come.

Note the weasel word probably.

Most speakers of BrE would not worry about using a subjunctive form.

 

[emsr2d2]

For me, "I suggest that you come" means "I think it's a good idea". "I suggest that you should come" means "I think that you should consider it a good idea" (ie there would be some benefit to you if you came). The first doesn't have the same connotation for me.

I should point out that I find "I suggest that you should come" rather unnatural. I would use either "I suggest that you come" or "I think you should come".

 

[kite]

If I report a suggestion, then there is probably no difference between I suggested that he came, i suggested that he come and I suggested that he should come.

5jj, did you miss an "s" that should come with "come" as I happen to feel or is it a new rule?

 

[5jj]

It's the present subjunctive. If you are learning AmE. you will need to learn about this at some time. If you're learning BrE, don't bother.

 

[emsr2d2]

It's the present subjunctive. If you are learning AmE. you will need to learn about this at some time. If you're learning BrE, don't bother.

Interesting. This BrE speaker would use "come".

 

[5jj]

Interesting. This BrE speaker would use "come".

So would I, but I know that I am rather old-fashioned.

 

[kite]

It's the present subjunctive. If you are learning AmE. you will need to learn about this at some time. If you're learning BrE, don't bother.

I am fond of AmE.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I am fond of AmE.

I am too! :-D