Need help with an English sentence
Please look at the following sentence:

"It is essential that the merchandise be delivered to the client by the time their plant opens for business."

My Japanese friend asked me what is the reason for "be delivered" instead of just for example "... that the merchandise is delivered..." etc. I said it's just for emphasis but maybe I'm wrong. Could somebody please explain it? Thank you!

Question

Need help with an English sentence
Please look at the following sentence:

"It is essential that the merchandise be delivered to the client by the time their plant opens for business."

My Japanese friend asked me what is the reason for "be delivered" instead of just for example "... that the merchandise is delivered..." etc. I said it's just for emphasis but maybe I'm wrong. Could somebody please explain it? Thank you!

Answer

After a limited number of words/expressions, including "It is essential that...", we use the subjunctive, which in English is the infinitive without "to".

Answer

I will help

Answers · 2

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