The Subjunctive mood = VERBS WITH ''That''.

So, I have had a request from a student, Nathalie would like to know what the mystical ‘’yodafied’’ language is; that we at times use in more formal speech or writing.

Her request :

‘’Could you explain when we need to use "That"? For example, "I have received the following request. Could you confirm that I can approve it?" Do I need to use "that" or not?’’

How about: Could you confirm that it be approved? 

The verb '' To confirm'', is both transitive < Obj > and intransitive < No Obj > - meaning, you can use ''confirm'' with or without an object.

Examples: Could you confirm + the approval. I would like to approve the following request -Could you please + confirm? or Could you confirm + that + I (should) approve + it.

LET’S DELVE INTO A SOMEWHAT BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD !

We use the magical subjunctive if expressing a sense of urgency or importance – such as requesting permission or making a suggestion:

Examples:

I recommend that he study his grammar regularly. ( Note that we drop the ‘’s’’ or ‘’es’’ when using the subjunctive in the third person.)

The teacher suggests that we be focused when listening to explanations. ( Advice/ A desire that the teacher has. Note the use of ‘’be’’ when using the subjunctive in the present tense.)

I wish I were you/ I wish I were happier (Subjunctive hypothetical ( unreal possibility.) - used in the second conditional.)

I propose that we eat earlier. ( Doubtfully going to happen / just a suggestion.)

FORM: subject + suggest/propose/confirm/recommend + (that) + subject + subjunctive

Three true forms : all the better to remember : 

1. I suggest that you  + ask + Bernadette > Suggest that someone do something

2. I suggest reading more books! > Suggest doing something

3. I suggest a visit to South Africa - it is amazing here ! > Suggest something

Use the subjunctive - which is a part of grammar used after or with certain verbs:

Advise, ask, command, demand, desire, recommend, suggest, urge, confirm, pray, propose + that …

NOTA BENE: The subjunctive, when used with the third-person form of the verb - the ‑s is omitted/ not included.  AGAIN: When using the verb to be in the subjunctive, the present tense is be, and the past tense is were.

EXAMPLES:

‘’If I were you – I would ask more questions in class!’’

‘’ He proposed that she be quiet while listening to the teacher!’’

‘’It is suggested that he/she/ it use the subjunctive correctly.’’

‘’I recommend that you eat healthily. ‘’

‘’Could you confirm that I can approve the request?’’

The Subjunctive is used after the following expressions: ( ‘’THAT’’ is in parentheses because it is OPTIONAL ! No, you do not need it – YES, it sounds very strange – though, that is crazy English as it stands ! )

It is best (that) ( she confirm the approval.)

It is essential (that) ( we confirm the application approval.)

It is urgent (that) ( you confirm the meeting.)

It is vital (that) ( the approval be confirmed.)

It is a good idea (that) (we approve this.)

It is a bad idea (that)

It is imperative (that)

It is important (that)

It is recommended (that)

It is crucial (that)

It is desirable (that)

VOILA ! I do hope +  that + you found this post of help!