The subjunctive: insist that she be told

I suggest that he take, it is vital that she be told, as it were: the base form after verbs of demand.

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The subjunctive is the base form of the verb (be, go, take) used for every person, even after he, she and it. It appears in a that clause after words of demanding, suggesting and necessity, and in a few fixed phrases. It sounds formal. It is more common in American English; in British English, should + base form, or an ordinary tense, is just as correct.

Formal (subjunctive)	British alternatives
I suggest that he take a break.	I suggest that he should take a break. / that he takes a break.
It's vital that she be told.	It's vital that she should be told. / that she is told.
They insisted that he leave.	They insisted that he should leave.

They insisted that he left is also possible in British English, but it can mean "they said he had left", so should is safer.

The subjunctive follows insist, suggest, recommend, propose, demand, request, require, ask, urge + that. The verb has no -s and does not change for the past.

The doctor recommended that she take a few days off.
The union demanded that the manager resign.
We request that all passengers remain seated.
I propose that the meeting be postponed.
A passive subjunctive: be + past participle.
Incorrect: I suggest him to see a doctor.
Correct: I suggest (that) he see a doctor. / I suggest he should see a doctor. / I suggest seeing a doctor.
Suggest is not followed by an object + to.
Incorrect: She insisted on that he come with us.
Correct: She insisted that he come with us. / She insisted on him coming with us.
Insist on + noun or -ing; insist + that clause, with no on.

After adjectives and nouns

The same pattern follows essential, vital, crucial, important, imperative, necessary, advisable in It is ... that, and nouns like suggestion, recommendation, demand, insistence, requirement.

It is essential that every member be informed.
It's important that he arrive on time.
It is imperative that the data remain confidential.
The recommendation that the factory be closed was rejected.
Her insistence that everyone sign the form slowed things down.

Negatives: not before the verb

In the negative, put not before the base form. Do not add do.

The committee recommended that the plan not be approved.
We asked that our names not be published.
Incorrect: It is vital that she doesn't be told yet.
Correct: It is vital that she not be told yet. / that she should not be told yet. / that she isn't told yet.

Were for unreal situations

Were for every person after if, I wish and as if is also a subjunctive. In informal British English, was is common, but were is preferred in writing and in the fixed phrase If I were you.

If I were you, I'd take the job.
I wish he were here to see this.
She talks as if she were the boss.

Fixed phrases

Some old subjunctive forms survive in set expressions. They are used mainly in formal speech and writing.

Be that as it may, we still need a decision by Friday.
Even if that is true, ...
The house was, as it were, a museum of his whole life.
So to speak.
Come what may, I'll be there for you.
Whatever happens.
Suffice it to say that we won't be going back.
I'll say only this.
We can work at the weekend if need be.
If it is necessary.
Long live the King!