suggested that he ...

Status
Not open for further replies.

navi tasan

Key Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
Persian
Home Country
Iran
Current Location
United States
Which are correct:

1-I suggested that he leaves early.
2-I suggested that he leave early.
3-I suggested that he should leave early.

Gratefully,
Navi.
 
They are all acceptable in BrE.
 
I would say that 2 and 3 are correct in AmE, while 1 is not.
 
I would say that 2 and 3 are correct in AmE, while 1 is not.
That's why I mentioned BrE in my response.

Even in BrE, some would insist that #1 'correctly' means only that I put forward the idea that 'he' does leave early, not that he should leave early.

It wouldn't surprise me if another speaker of AmE came in to tell us that #3 is not natural.
 
The below note has been taken from an English course collected by a non-native who studied AmE.
Advise – decree – move prefer – request – suggest – ask – demand – order – propose – require – urge – command – insist – recommend – stipulate.


subject + verb (any tense) + that +b subject + [verb in simple form] …


The word that must always appear in subjunctive sentence. If it is omitted, most of the verbs followed by the infinitive.


The doctor suggested that his patient stop smoking.

We proposed that he take a vacation.
Why did you say that the third one in OP is correct, please? Can you please set me a convincing reason for that?

I would say that 2 and 3 are correct in AmE, while 1 is not.

Why did you say that the third one in OP is correct, please? Can you please set me a convincing reason for that?

 
Riquecohen does not have to give a convincing reason for saying that something is possible, particularly when you appear to be placing more faith in someone who writes:

"The word that must always appear in subjunctive sentence." That is not true.
"If it is omitted, most of the verbs followed by the infinitive." That is not English.
 
I wouldn't use the "should" version myself, but wouldn't say it was wrong. However, I would never use the "leaves" version, because (as you know) we cling to the subjunctive in the US.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top