English Classes 2C/som 2026-27
September 2026
Should my best friend text me back more quickly?
Should my friend stop being so vengeful?
Should my girlfriend stop scrolling on her phone while we’re watching TV?
Should my partner stop trying to kiss me after kissing the cat?
Should my flatmate stop burning incense in our home?
My brother only showers twice a week. Should he wash more often?
Should my girlfriend stop picking up other people’s litter?
The SUBJUNCTIVE form: In English, the subjunctive often appears in clauses expressing wishes, demands, suggestions, or hypotheticals. The base form of the verb is used, regardless of subject (e.g., “I suggest that he go,” not “he goes”).
In this sentence, “You be the judge” functions almost like an imperative, but instead of commanding an action (“Judge this”), it invites or challenges the addressee to adopt a role temporarily—to imagine themselves as “the judge” in a figurative or evaluative sense.
The subjunctive here makes the statement less about describing reality (you are the judge) and more about assigning a role or urging consideration (assume the position of judge and decide).
In German: SEI du die Richterin / der Richter.
- Mandative subjunctive (after verbs of demand, suggestion, etc.):
- The teacher insisted that he be on time.
- They recommended that she be present at the meeting.
- I suggest that the report be finished by Monday.
- Hypothetical / conditional subjunctive:
- If he be guilty, let him confess now. (archaic style, no longer common)
- Whether it be right or wrong, we must decide quickly.
- Formulaic / fixed expressions:
- God be with you.
- Long be the memory of their courage.
- Blessed be the peacemakers.
More sentences with "be" in the subjunctive form:
- The doctor recommended that she be admitted to hospital immediately.
- It’s essential that everyone be seated before the show starts.
- The committee requested that the proposal be revised.
- His lawyer insisted that he be released on bail.
- They suggested that the meeting be moved to Friday.
- It’s important that the children be taught how to swim.
- The judge ordered that the evidence be preserved.
- So be it.
Notice that the verb "be" in the expressions "she wanted to be", or "he hoped to be..." is in the infinitive form, not the subjunctive.
