usage

[shoaib 1]

Hi dear Teachers,
Please clarify the difference between
"It is essential that the government fulfill its promises"
and
"It is essential that the government fulfilled its promises" :?:

 

[Barb_D]

Let me ask you this first:

Has the government done anything?
Is the expectation that they will do something for the future?

 

[shoaib 1]

yes,it is for the future. i have read such expressions in newspapers many times.

 

[Barb_D]

Are you sure you read both of those?

It's essential the government fulfill its promises.
It's essential the government's promises be fulfilled.

Do you see the difference?

 

[shoaib 1]

Are you sure you read both of those?

It's essential the government fulfill its promises.
It's essential the government's promises be fulfilled.

Do you see the difference?

No, no.I understand these two sentences that this is a subjunctive structure. I want to know what is the difference when we use first form and when we use the second form. i.e.
It is essential that the government fulfill its promises.
It is essential that the government fulfilled its promises

 

[wace]

No, no.I understand these two sentences that this is a subjunctive structure. I want to know what is the difference when we use first form and when we use the second form. i.e.
It is essential that the government fulfill its promises.
It is essential that the government fulfilled its promises

In the former, the speaker is expressing his/her wish that the government will fulfil its promises. In the latter s/he is hoping that the government delivered what it promised.

 

[shoaib 1]

In the former, the speaker is expressing his/her wish that the government will fulfil its promises. In the latter s/he is hoping that the government delivered what it promised.

Not clear.You mean when there is an element of hope, we use second form in the subjunctive structure.And what do you mean when you say ".....hoping that the government delivered what it promised" ?? You mean past or future?