(3) I propose that

I propose that the vote be secret ballot.
Is the above sentence correct?

I propose that the vote takes the form of a secret ballot.

Hi , Beeesneees

I propose that the vote takes the form of a secret ballot.

I suppose we use “should Take or Take” as an subjunctive form here.
Why it cannot be consider as subjunctive form in this case with the word “propose” ?
Could you explain me more a bit ?

It really depends on how positive you believe the verb ‘propose’ can be. If you choose the subjunctive, you are suggesting ‘should be/take’.

Hi Alan.

Which words we can believe that they are strongly subjunctive ? , which one is not ?
I wonder if this sentence in the exam, Does the teacher consider these 3 answers are correct : should take /takes/ take ?

I propose that the vote takes the form of a secret ballot.
I propose that the vote should take the form of a secret ballot.
I propose that the vote take the form of a secret ballot.

  • all acceptable.

You are so clever

A good student has many techniques, but you don’t forget all other are foolish!

When you are confused about a spelling like —receive or recieve in writing what will you do?

If your writing is smooth, the best policy is just use the ‘Dot’(.) between I and E, as writing time these two distinction is less explicit! Teacher must assume, he did right as a faster writer! Sorry,this doesn’t work every where.

Duet062010’s original writing was correct as it is from Barron’s TOEFL suggestion book just I have gone through.(Please see rules 27, second question.)

Again, I checked from oxford dictionary, I was proposed that-- possible, with Modal verb. With subjunctive like, he proposed that—after it, no modal or past verb or third person singular number is allowed.

Not quite; it should be “I propose that the vote be a secret ballot.”

I propose that the votes be secret ballots.

Now?

Dozy,

I am familiar with Barron’s TOEFL suggestion from just 1986.

Never mind, I have an old issue that might be before '90 as few pages lost. I am fan for
many old things including my late father’s school level book in 1928(he had masters in1936 and LL.B. in 1951.)

That old/new issue (TOEFL) says without “a”. If it was a wrong, the authority must have changed it as you say. Every year TOEFL authority revises their edition.Another new edition(I belong to) is in 2006.

Thing is not that, nobody is perfect, I do make wrong again and again too! I scored on TOEFL in 1999.

That’s okay.

BE A SECRET BALLOT!

Please don’t ‘shout’ (type in all capitals.)

If there is more than one ballot then ‘secret ballots’ is fine.