it's important that he be

[BrunaBC]

Hello,

I just need to know how usual this structure is:

1) It's important that he be present at the meeting. (would it be incorrect if I say "that he is")
2) The doctor suggested that I not eat much in the evening. (this sentence sounds so akward)

Thank you again.

 

[probus]

1) Both are correct. To me in Canada, the subjunctive mood "be present" sounds best, but I've been told that our teachers of BrE prefer "is present", the indicative mood. Perhaps it means that the subjunctive has died in Europe but is still on life support in America.

2) This is not in the slightest awkward. It sound perfect to me.

 

[Raymott]

I would also use the subjunctive. This seems to be one consistent area where AusE is closer to CanE, and maybe AmE, than to BrE.
But far from being on life support, here it is allowed to sit out of bed, and take short walks to the bathroom.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Hello,

I just need to know how usual this structure is:

1) It's important that he be present at the meeting. (would it be incorrect if I say "that he is")
2) The doctor suggested that I not eat much in the evening. (this sentence sounds so akward)

Thank you again.

In AmE, both would be fine.