Present and past subjunctive tense in English

Question

For the present and past subjunctive in English, do we use the infinitive w/o the "TO" in both cases?

EXAMPLES

It is necessary that they BE warned of the risks (present)

It was necessary that they BE warned of the risks (past)

I recommend that he SEE a specialist (present)

I recommended that he SEE a specialist (past)

thanks

Answer 1

You are correct. The subjunctive in both cases uses the bare form of the infinitive, without the "to".

Answer 2

This thread is a bit old by now, but I'm just seeing it, and if you're interested, I think I can help untangle the two answers, because they're both correct.

The first two examples are in both the subjunctive mood and the passive voice.

Voice tells us whether the subject of the verb is doing it or receiving it. E.g.:

Active: You love everyone.

Passive: You are loved by everyone.

Mood tells us whether the verb is happening, might happen, or is being ordered to happen. E.g.:

Indicative: Angela studies hard.

Subjunctive: I hope that Angela studies hard. Or: It's important that Angela study hard.

Imperative: Study hard, Angela!

So that's, I think, why your first examples are so complicated. The active voice version of them would be:

It is necessary that someone warn them of the risks.

It was necessary that someone warn them of the risks.

Answer 3

Actually, I don’t think the first two, “that they be warned,” are subjunctive, but rather passive construction. The verb in the second clause is to warn.

Try inserting a conditional word in the sentences, like “might” or “should.” I recommend[ed] that he should see a specialist. The tense of the first clause doesn’t affect the subjunctive verb [to] see. But there’s no way to sensibly add a conditional to the warning sentences without dropping the first clause and making the sentences direct: They should [have been] warned. or Someone should have warned them.

Don’t go out of your way to complicate your writing. That’s when you get tangled up in trying to obey rules.