Third person singular

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DianaJoyce
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Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2021 9:35 am
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Dalat, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

Third person singular

Post by DianaJoyce »

Hi teachers, my student had an interesting query, which I am unable to provide a decent response to. My hunch is that it has to do with register.

Sample sentence: "It is imperative that Jeff contact his client immediately."

Why is there no 's' at the end of the verb 'contact', when the subject is the 3rd person singular?

My student's question: "How about the case of adjectives?
I have a sentence on my text book.

It is imperative that Jeff contact his client immediately.

I understand the above sentence is right.

Could I also say as follows?

It is imperative that Jeff contacts his client immediately."

This is the response I sent, I just need confirmation that it is correct, any input would be appreciated!

My response:
"English certainly is weird, because we are told that for 3rd person singular (he/she/it), in affirmative sentences, the verb should get an ‘s’.
I am not entirely sure you say ‘adjectives’, do you mean ‘imperative’?

The sample sentence omits the ‘s’ because of register. It is more formal to use ‘contact’.

More info on register: https://www.really-learn-english.com/la ... ister.html

I couldn’t find any good external references to confirm my conclusion, but I think I am right in saying this J

I have, however, contacted my colleagues to ask for their input, and will let you know if I get a suitable response to confirm my statement."
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Joe
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Location: England

Re: Third person singular

Post by Joe »

The answer to your paradox is the subjunctive mood, which is explained here:
https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/subjunctive.htm

The English subjunctive is a special, relatively rare verb form that expresses something desired or imagined.

We use the subjunctive mainly when talking about events that are not certain to happen. For example, we use the subjunctive when talking about events that somebody:
- wants to happen
- anticipates will happen
- imagines happening

The subjunctive mood basically uses the base verb only, no s on 3rd person singular:
I, you, he/she/it, we, you, they want

- It is essential that Jeff be present.
- The President insisted that she visit him today.

This mood form is used more in American English than in British English, where "should" is more likely:
- It is essential that Jeff should be present.
- The President insisted that she should visit him today.

In colloquial English the subjunctive isn't always used:
- It is essential that Jeff is present.
- The President insisted that she visits him today.
...which is perhaps why the subjunctive may be seen by some as more "formal".

Much more at:
https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/subjunctive.htm
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