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suggest that + V

RuleAfter verbs of demand or suggestion (suggest, require, recommend, insist), the that-clause uses the base verb (no -s, no tense).

Curiosity

"recommend that he is" or "recommend that he be"? Why does the verb look "wrong"?

Intuition

These verbs say something should happen, not that it does. The that-clause drops to the base form (be, go, submit) for every subject — like a hidden "should."

Visualization

See the parts: the trigger verb and the base verb in the that-clause are highlighted. The relation: "recommend that + subject + base verb (hidden should)."

A demand/suggestion that-clause uses the base verb.
The board recommendedthat the CEOsubmita report

Essence

Triggers: suggest, recommend, require, request, demand, insist, propose, ask + that. Also adjectives: essential, important, necessary that + base. The base ignores subject and tense (that he be, that she submit). British English may use "should + base."

Examples

The manager insisted that the report be finished today.
It is essential that every employee attend the session.
They requested that he arrive early.

Mini-quiz

"The committee recommended that the policy ___ revised." Which fits?

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