SUBJUNCTIVE AND UNREAL PAST FORMS

SUBJUNCTIVE

Past subjunctive

were

It was essential that she be present.

Use of subjunctive

Should + Infinitive

The menager insists that the car park should be locked at night.

After two structures

The expressions

vital + that

The verbs

suggest + that

Were instead of "was" after if

If I were you, I would ask her.

Present subjunctive

Be

It is essential that she be present.

UNREAL PAST FORM

Use after

Expressions like "if"

r

Is used to express hypothetical situations ...

Followed by past tense

What if we painted the room purple?

Followed by the past perfect

Supposing I had given that man my money!

The verb to wish

r

We use it when we talk about present situations that we can not change no matther what...

I wish I had more money.

I'd rather and it's time

r

This forms are also followed by unreal past, but this time verb is in past tense, and the situation is in the present...

I'd rather + past tense

I'd rather you went.

It's time + past tense

It's time you paid that bill.