Choose the grammatically correct sentence for a formal notice.

Correct answer: B. It is essential that every applicant submit the form by Friday.

  • A. It is essential that every applicant submits the form by Friday.
  • B. It is essential that every applicant submit the form by Friday.
  • C. It is essential that every applicant submitted the form by Friday.
  • D. It is essential that every applicant submitting the form by Friday.

Explanation

After expressions such as “it is essential that,” formal English commonly uses the subjunctive base form: “every applicant submit.” The form does not take “submits” even though “applicant” is singular.

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About Grammar for Business Writing

Clear business writing depends on sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, verb tense, pronoun reference, modifiers, articles, prepositions and punctuation. Attention also goes to active and passive voice, parallel structure, formal usage and avoiding fragments, run-on sentences and unnecessary shifts in tense or point of view.

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