Fixed subjunctive expressions: so be it
So be it, far be it from me, heaven forbid, come what may, truth be told: set phrases with the subjunctive.
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The subjunctive is the base form of a verb (be, come, save) used where you would expect another form, even after he, she and it. At C1 you used it after insist, suggest and essential that, and in phrases such as be that as it may and come what may. This page collects those fixed expressions and adds more. They cannot be changed into normal tenses: you learn them as whole phrases.
Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
So be it. | I accept it, even if I don't like it. |
Far be it from me to … | I don't want to ..., but ... |
Heaven forbid (that) … | I hope that never happens. |
Come what may | Whatever happens |
Be it X or Y | Whether it is X or Y |
Truth be told | To be honest |
Wishes, hopes and fears
A few phrases express a wish with the base form of the verb: there is no -s, even with a singular subject such as God or heaven.
- Long live the King!
- God save the King.
- Heaven forbid that we should ever need it.
- God help anyone who gets in her way.
- Incorrect: God saves the King.
- Correct: God save the King.A wish takes the base form: save, not saves.
Accepting, admitting and objecting
These phrases are used in discussion, often at the start of a sentence.
- If they want to cancel the contract, so be it.
- Far be it from me to criticise, but the report is two weeks late.
I don't want to criticise, but I will.
- Be that as it may, we still have to pay the bill.
- Truth be told, I never liked the place.
- Suffice it to say that the evening was not a success.
Suffice to say is also common.
- Incorrect: Far be it for me to tell you what to do.
- Correct: Far be it from me to tell you what to do.The fixed phrase uses from, not for.
Whatever happens: come what may, be it ... or ...
Come what may means "whatever happens". Be it ... or ... and whether it be ... or ... mean "whether it is ... or ...". Come + a time means "when that time comes".
- Come what may, we'll finish the project on time.
- Every customer, be it a large company or an individual, gets the same service.
- Any change, whether it be large or small, must be approved.
- Come January, the new rules will apply to everyone.
When January comes.
Other fixed phrases
Some old forms survive in only one or two expressions. They sound literary or humorous today.
- The powers that be have decided to close the office.
The people in authority, usually not named.
- Woe betide anyone who arrives late.
Anyone who arrives late will be in trouble.
- We can work at the weekend if need be.
If it is necessary.
- Would that I had listened to her.
A literary way to say "I wish".
The subjunctive in formal writing
In rules, minutes, reports and legal texts, the subjunctive after verbs and adjectives of demand is common. It does not change for the past, and the negative is not + base form.
- It is recommended that the policy be reviewed every year.
- The board resolved that the chairman be asked to resign.
- The committee insisted that the director attend the meeting.
The past insisted does not change the base form attend.
- Incorrect: Members requested that the item didn't be discussed until May.
- Correct: Members requested that the item not be discussed until May.In the negative, not goes before the base form, with no do or did.
In everyday British English, should + base form or a normal tense is just as correct: It's essential that everyone should arrive / arrives on time.