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Formulaic Subjunctive

Two fixed expressions: be that as it may means “even if that is so” and returns to the main point; come what may means “whatever happens” and expresses a decision's independence from circumstances. Learn their usual wording, meanings, and typical sentence positions.

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Be that as it may / Come what may

1. Two formulas to recall, rather than build

Be that as it may and come what may are fixed constructions with the base forms be and come. Learn them as complete expressions: these forms do not change with the main clause's subject or tense.

Do not replace be with is or come with comes when using these expressions. Similar subjunctive formulas exist beyond these two examples, but their uses also need to be learnt individually.

The main work in this rule therefore involves two decisions rather than building a form: recall the whole formula unchanged, and choose whichever one matches the direction of your thought. The rest of the sentence is ordinary English with its own subject and predicate.

How to build it

Be that as it may, + full clause | Come what may, + full clause

clause
—
A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.

Be that as it may, the tender will be reopened next month.

Be that as it may, the tender will be reopened next month.

The complete formula is followed by a comma and an ordinary clause with the subject the tender and predicate will be reopened.

Come what may, this ward keeps two nurses on duty at night.

Come what may, this ward keeps two nurses on duty at night.

The formula's three words do not change; the following ordinary Present Simple sentence could stand alone.

The auditors disagree with the estimate. Be that as it may, the figure has already gone to press.

The auditors disagree with the estimate. Be that as it may, the figure has already gone to press.

That refers to the previous idea about the auditors' disagreement. Clear context is needed, supplied by the text, conversation, or shared situation.

2. Be that as it may: acknowledge what was said and move on

Be that as it may expresses concession: the speaker allows the preceding idea for the sake of argument and moves to the main point. This does not necessarily confirm the idea's truth. It is close to “even if that is so”, “nevertheless”, or “all the same”.

That normally refers to an idea already expressed or understood from context. A separate preceding sentence is not a grammatical requirement, but the reader must understand what is being conceded.

What follows the formula is not a repetition of the concession, but something that remains true despite the expectation it creates. If the second part merely reinforces the first, the formula is poorly chosen: it promises a turn that never comes.

The sample was smaller than we would have liked. Be that as it may, the effect held at all three sites.

The sample was smaller than we would have liked. Be that as it may, the effect held at all three sites.

The first sentence acknowledges a weakness; the second shows that it did not undermine the result. That turn makes the formula appropriate.

— Half the committee has never worked with this format. — Be that as it may, the vote stands.

— Half the committee has never worked with this format. — Be that as it may, the vote stands.

In conversation, the other person supplies the preceding claim, and that points back to their whole turn.

Be that as it may, who is going to explain the delay to the donors?

Be that as it may, who is going to explain the delay to the donors?

A question can follow the formula too: the concession concerns the preceding turn, not the sentence type after the comma.

3. Come what may: whatever happens

This formula looks forward. It does not concede a prior point; it packages all still-unknown future circumstances into three words and asserts that the main claim is independent of them. It means “whatever happens”, “no matter what”, or “under any circumstances”.

The formula often accompanies a promise or firm decision. It can also appear in a past narrative: She had decided to stay, come what may. The unknown circumstances were future relative to that past decision.

You can leave the circumstances unnamed or specify them for emphasis. The formula itself means “under any circumstances”, but does not prohibit additional explanation.

Come what may, the ferry leaves the harbour at six.

Come what may, the ferry leaves the harbour at six.

No circumstances are named or needed: the formula already covers them collectively.

The bridge will be finished this year, come what may.

The bridge will be finished this year, come what may.

This formula also readily appears at the end; put a comma before it.

I will hand in the manuscript on Friday, come what may.

I will hand in the manuscript on Friday, come what may.

The main clause is a personal promise, a particularly suitable meaning for this formula.

4. What must remain unchanged in these formulas

All five words of be that as it may are fixed. Be does not become is, was, or being: it does not agree with the subject or vary for tense. That is not replaced with this or it, and it does not become they even when several facts are involved. May is not changed to might, will, or can.

In the usual expression come what may, retain those three words exactly: do not add -s to come. Other formulas, particularly literary ones, may use another modal; here we practise the most common version with may.

Do not insert anything inside the formulas: no adverb, clarification, or prepositional phrase. If you need to specify the area concerned, name it in the main clause rather than between the formula's words.

How to build it

be + that + as + it + may | come + what + may

Be that as it may, the deposit is not refundable.

Be that as it may, the deposit is not refundable.

The five words appear in exactly this order; none agrees with the subject the deposit.

Come what may, the choir sings at seven.

Come what may, the choir sings at seven.

Come belongs to a separate fixed expression and does not agree with the choir, the main clause's subject.

Come what may, the funding question will be settled in court.

Come what may, the funding question will be settled in court.

The topic, funding, is named in the main clause rather than inside the formula.

5. Sentence position and commas

Both formulas are detached adverbial expressions, not conjunctions. They do not coordinate two clauses: a self-contained clause follows the formula, and the comma marks its boundary rather than merely decorating the sentence.

Come what may can readily appear initially, medially between the subject and the rest of the predicate, or finally. Set it off with commas in all three positions: one at the edge of a sentence, two in the middle.

Be that as it may most often opens a sentence; parenthetical position is also possible. Initial position is a useful choice for a teaching example, not a universal ban on other placements.

How to build it

Come what may, … | …, come what may. | subject, come what may, predicate …

subject / S
—
The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.

Come what may, the register opens on Monday.

Come what may, the register opens on Monday.

In initial position, one comma follows the formula immediately.

The register opens on Monday, come what may.

The register opens on Monday, come what may.

In final position, use a comma before the formula to mark the adverbial boundary.

The trustees, come what may, will meet in October.

The trustees, come what may, will meet in October.

Parenthetical position between subject and predicate requires two commas.

The report is incomplete. Be that as it may, the minister has already seen it.

The report is incomplete. Be that as it may, the minister has already seen it.

The concession opens the second sentence, the typical and safest position for this particular formula.

6. The formula needs a complete main clause

The formula replaces neither a subject, a predicate, nor a conjunction. After the comma, provide a complete clause that could stand alone: The vote stands. The gates open at ten. I will not sign it.

The main point normally follows the formula directly. An extra but or however is often stylistically unnecessary, but another subordinate clause is possible: Come what may, although it may take years, we will finish. It must have a clear role in the complete sentence.

The formula does not introduce a subordinate clause either: it does not take a dependent that-clause as its complement. If you find yourself writing be that as it may that…, restructure the thought into two independent sentences.

Be that as it may, the vote stands.

Be that as it may, the vote stands.

The vote stands is self-contained; the formula merely prepares for it and replaces nothing within it.

Come what may, I will not sign that clause.

Come what may, I will not sign that clause.

The main clause has its own subject I and predicate will not sign.

Be that as it may, two of the reviewers still want a second round.

Be that as it may, two of the reviewers still want a second round.

Still emphasises the reviewers' unchanged position. It naturally goes inside the main clause.

7. Register: where the formulas fit

Both formulas belong to formal or rhetorical language: business letters, reports, public speeches, argumentative writing, and solemn promises. In everyday conversation, they sound marked and sometimes ironic, which is precisely why they may be used jokingly.

In neutral text, simpler expressions do similar work: nevertheless, even so, all the same, and still for concession; no matter what, whatever happens, and regardless for independence from circumstances. Use the formula when its weighty tone is wanted.

Do not repeat the formulas mechanically: excessive solemnity can burden a text. Deliberate rhetorical repetition is also possible; this is a stylistic choice, not a grammatical prohibition.

The costs have risen sharply. Be that as it may, the trustees will not raise the entrance fee.

The costs have risen sharply. Be that as it may, the trustees will not raise the entrance fee.

The formal context of a board decision makes the formula's weighty tone appropriate.

Yeah, it rained all day. Still, we finished the fence.

Yeah, it rained all day. Still, we finished the fence.

A short connector is more natural in this everyday utterance than a solemn formula.

Come what may, this library will not close.

Come what may, this library will not close.

A public statement is a setting where the formula's weight works in the speaker's favour.

8. Choosing the right formula quickly

Check the meaning: “even if the preceding idea is true” calls for be that as it may; “whatever happens” calls for come what may. The second formula expresses independence from circumstances, not necessarily a personal promise.

Two quick checks: can you replace the expression with “despite what was just said”? If so, it is a concession. Can you replace it with “whatever happens next”? If so, it expresses independence from circumstances.

Both formulas may be appropriate after a stated obstacle, but they express different things: a concession concerning that point, or determination regardless of any later circumstances. Choose according to the speaker's intention.

Two of the translators withdrew yesterday. Be that as it may, the summary will appear in all four languages.

Two of the translators withdrew yesterday. Be that as it may, the summary will appear in all four languages.

The formula draws on a specific stated fact and leads to something that fact has not prevented.

Come what may, the window for comments stays open until the end of the month.

Come what may, the window for comments stays open until the end of the month.

Come what may emphasises that the deadline remains unchanged under any circumstances. Be that as it may would need a clear concessive context.

— The examiners have added a second viva. — Be that as it may, the submission date has not moved.

— The examiners have added a second viva. — Be that as it may, the submission date has not moved.

Be that as it may appropriately concedes the news. Come what may would shift the emphasis to the date remaining unchanged under any circumstances.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:Is that as it may, the tender will proceed.

Correct:Be that as it may, the tender will proceed.

The verb in the formula is fixed and does not agree with that. Is makes the expression resemble the beginning of a question and disrupts its meaning.

Incorrect:Comes what may, I am not withdrawing the paper.

Correct:Come what may, I am not withdrawing the paper.

The target fixed expression requires the base form come without -s: come what may.

Incorrect:Comes what may, the depot opens at five.

Correct:Come what may, the depot opens at five.

Agreement does not operate inside this fixed formula, so there is no reason to add -s: the verb remains in its bare form.

Incorrect:Be that as it may, the auditors still needs the raw files.

Correct:Be that as it may, the auditors still need the raw files.

The subject auditors is plural, so use need without -s. The initial formula is already correctly separated by a comma.

Incorrect:Be that as it may the fee is non-refundable.

Correct:Be that as it may, the fee is non-refundable.

The formula is a detached adverbial, and a comma marks the boundary before the independent clause; without it, the sentence reads as a single fused construction.

Incorrect:Come what may about the weather, we set off at dawn.

Correct:Come what may, we set off at dawn.

Do not insert clarifications into the fixed formula. If the weather needs naming, mention it in the main message or a separate sentence.

Incorrect:Be that as they may, the objections are recorded.

Correct:Be that as it may, the objections are recorded.

The pronoun it in the formula is also fixed and does not become plural even when the preceding claim concerns several facts.

Sources

Suffice it to say / Far be it from me — inverted formulaic subjunctives

Two formulas that express the speaker's stance

Suffice it to say and Far be it from me to are fixed formulas rather than ordinary freely formed clauses. They add little factual information: both show the speaker's attitude to what they are about to say. The first marks a sufficient summary without banning later details; the second disclaims a right to judge.

Both retain an older subjunctive pattern in which the verb precedes the subject: suffice it rather than it suffices, and far be it rather than it is far. This inverted order holds each formula together. Restore ordinary word order, and it is no longer the same formula, even if the words remain.

Learn the usual wording of these two formulas. Other fixed subjunctive expressions exist, but do not freely reorder words by analogy.

Suffice it to say that the second landlord was no better than the first.

Suffice it to say that the second landlord was no better than the first.

The speaker does not recount the whole story; the formula signals that a brief mention is sufficient.

Far be it from me to plan anyone's wedding, but eleven courses is a long dinner.

Far be it from me to plan anyone's wedding, but eleven courses is a long dinner.

The speaker disclaims the role of organizer while still making a comment; that is the formula's function here.

It suffices to say that the report is finished.

It suffices to say that the report is finished.

It suffices to say is grammatical with ordinary word order. It can also introduce a brief summary; context determines the nuance, not simply the absence of inversion.

Suffice it to say: the full form with it

In the full formula suffice it to say, it is a dummy subject. Practise the full version in this lesson, but do not treat it as the only possible version in English.

The formula uses the bare verb suffice, never suffices or sufficed. This is a surviving subjunctive, not faulty agreement, so it takes no ending even when the rest of the sentence uses a past or perfect tense.

The shorter suffice to say is also used and recorded in dictionaries. Some editors prefer suffice it to say; the full version is a reliable choice in formal writing.

It suffices to say is an ordinary finite construction. Both it and the fixed formula can summarize without a detailed account; neither necessarily promises never to give details.

How to build it

Suffice + it + to say + (that | comma) + clause

clause
—
A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.

Suffice it to say that the first draft never reached the client.

Suffice it to say that the first draft never reached the client.

It immediately follows the verb, and that introduces the clause: a basic written version.

Suffice it to say, the kitchen needed more than paint.

Suffice it to say, the kitchen needed more than paint.

A comma replaces that. Both versions are standard and convey the same meaning.

Suffice to say, the kitchen needed more than paint.

Suffice to say, the kitchen needed more than paint.

An attested shorter version without it. This lesson practises the full form that editors often prefer.

Suffice it to say that I have learned to read guarantees carefully.

Suffice it to say that I have learned to read guarantees carefully.

The bare form suffice stays unchanged even when the following clause uses the Present Perfect.

Far be it from me to…: inversion, from, and the base verb

Expanded literally, the formula means approximately that doing such a thing would be far from the speaker's intentions or role. It is dummy here too, anticipating the final infinitive. The expression therefore reads as a disclaimer that it is the speaker's place to act.

In the target formula, be precedes it: far be it. Far is it does not reproduce this formula; an ordinary statement requires a different sentence structure.

The standard preposition is from. For is increasingly heard, but reference works label it nonstandard, so avoid it in examinations or business writing.

After me, use to + base verb: to comment, to question, to suggest. A gerund does not fit this pattern. Other persons can replace me (from us, from him), but the structure stays the same.

A but-clause very often follows and carries the main message. The formula can also stand without a continuation; then it reads as a disclaimer of a role rather than as a softened critical comment.

How to build it

Far + be + it + from me + to + base verb (+ but …)

verb / V
—
A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
V1 / base form
—
The base verb without to: work, go, be.

Far be it from me to question a surgeon, but the appointment letter has the wrong date.

Far be it from me to question a surgeon, but the appointment letter has the wrong date.

Be precedes it, followed by from me and to + base verb; the actual comment comes after but.

Far be it from me to suggest a rewrite at this stage.

Far be it from me to suggest a rewrite at this stage.

Without but, the formula sounds like a complete disclaimer of the adviser's role. This is possible, but serves a different communicative function.

Far be it from us to interrupt a rehearsal.

Far be it from us to interrupt a rehearsal.

Us can replace me; the word order and the rest of the structure do not change.

I would not presume to redesign your website, but the menu is hard to find on a phone.

I would not presume to redesign your website, but the menu is hard to find on a phone.

The same intention without the fixed formula: more neutral, less literary, and without its characteristic ironic coloring.

What follows the formula?

Suffice it to say typically continues with a full clause, with or without that. Quotations or brief expressions are also possible, but a separate clause is the simplest way to express the summary in learning examples.

That is more common in written text; a comma is common in conversational and journalistic styles. The meaning is the same, so the choice is stylistic.

Far be it from me is followed by to + verb: the action the speaker distances themselves from is named by an infinitive, not a noun or gerund.

The formula can follow an introductory clause or be parenthetical: The results, suffice it to say, were disappointing. Keep its connection to the content it comments on clear.

Suffice it to say that the tenants left on the same day the boiler failed.

Suffice it to say that the tenants left on the same day the boiler failed.

That introduces the clause; what follows is the content the speaker has chosen to summarize in one sentence.

Suffice it to say, nobody asked for a second tour.

Suffice it to say, nobody asked for a second tour.

The same formula with a comma, typical of conversational and journalistic registers.

Whatever the brochure promised, suffice it to say that the room was cold.

Whatever the brochure promised, suffice it to say that the room was cold.

The formula follows an introductory clause; its internal structure and word order remain unchanged.

Far be it from me to reorganise a stranger's bookshelves.

Far be it from me to reorganise a stranger's bookshelves.

Me is followed by to + base verb; a but-clause may or may not follow.

Pragmatics: a summary or an opening for an awkward comment

Suffice it to say highlights what the speaker considers enough for the current summary. Details are often omitted, but an explanation may follow later: the formula places no grammatical ban on continuing the story.

Far be it from me to often opens the way to an awkward comment, first disclaiming authority or expertise. A but-clause usually follows and carries the main message.

The distancing formula often sounds ironic: everyone understands that the speaker is about to do precisely what they disclaim. This is a recognizable feature of the expression, not a usage error.

Both formulas comment on the speaker's stance rather than adding facts about the world. If they do not affect the voice or presentation of your sentence, they are unnecessary.

Suffice it to say that the interview ended early.

Suffice it to say that the interview ended early.

The speaker offers a short summary instead of a full account. The listener's reaction depends on the situation; they may still ask for details.

Far be it from me to time anyone's presentation, but we have nine minutes left.

Far be it from me to time anyone's presentation, but we have nine minutes left.

The formula prepares the listener for the comment after but.

Far be it from me to complain about the weather, as I have done nothing else all week.

Far be it from me to complain about the weather, as I have done nothing else all week.

Irony: the speaker explicitly admits doing exactly what they have just disclaimed.

Register and appropriate use

The formulas can sound literary, rhetorical, or ironic. They also occur in conversation; appropriateness depends on the relationship and the speaker's intention, not just the genre.

In instructions and technical explanations, check whether the formula helps the reader. It can signal a brief summary, but should not replace information needed to act.

If the reader needs details, suffice it to say alone may be insufficient. You can give a short summary and add details separately; the formula does not necessarily refuse to provide them.

Far be it from me to can sound insincere after a genuine insult: it softens a comment rather than apologizing for it. An apology requires different words.

Suffice it to say that the results were mixed.

Suffice it to say that the results were mixed.

Appropriate in a review where readers do not expect a full analysis and understand it as a restrained assessment.

The pump failed twice, on 3 and 11 March, and the seal was replaced on 12 March.

The pump failed twice, on 3 and 11 March, and the seal was replaced on 12 March.

Specific dates and actions matter in this technical report. A brief summary alone might be insufficient; the formula does not prevent adding the necessary details.

Far be it from me to lecture a jeweller about stones, but this setting looks loose to me.

Far be it from me to lecture a jeweller about stones, but this setting looks loose to me.

The speaker disclaims the expert's role and cautiously offers an observation. The sentence alone does not establish whether they really lack expertise or how sincere their modesty is.

Scope: expressions with other functions

Two other groups of fixed subjunctives in this topic are easy to confuse with these. Be that as it may is concessive: despite what has just been said. Come what may expresses independence from circumstances, often a firm commitment or decision. Neither summarizes nor disclaims a role.

God forbid, Heaven help, and Long live are exclamatory wishes or warnings. They also use a bare verb, but express the speaker's wishes about events rather than their stance toward their own speech.

It is not for me to can also disclaim a role. It contains no subjunctive inversion; either pattern may be sincere or ironic depending on context.

Suffice it to say marks a sufficient summary; needless to say presents the next point as obvious. Their functions differ, but they are not logical opposites: a brief summary can contain obvious information.

Be that as it may, the deadline has not changed.

Be that as it may, the deadline has not changed.

The neighboring concessive formula acknowledges an argument while maintaining the speaker's position; that is a different function.

Come what may, we are opening the doors at nine.

Come what may, we are opening the doors at nine.

A commitment to keep a decision, rather than a summary or disclaimer.

Needless to say, the flight was delayed.

Needless to say, the flight was delayed.

Needless to say presents the delay as expected. Suffice it to say would present it as a sufficient summary, not necessarily as a concealed fact.

It is not for me to approve the budget.

It is not for me to approve the budget.

Ordinary word order expresses the same disclaimer without the inversion or characteristic stylistic coloring of the fixed formula.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:Suffices it to say that the boiler failed on the coldest night of the year.

Correct:Suffice it to say that the boiler failed on the coldest night of the year.

The full fixed formula requires suffice without -s before it. The shorter suffice to say also exists and should not be declared universally ungrammatical.

Incorrect:Suffices it to say that nobody complained about the noise.

Correct:Suffice it to say that nobody complained about the noise.

The formula's verb takes its bare form, so -s cannot appear here. It is a surviving subjunctive, not ordinary subject–verb agreement.

Incorrect:It suffice to say that the tour was cancelled without warning.

Correct:Suffice it to say that the tour was cancelled without warning.

Use either inversion with the bare form (Suffice it to say) or ordinary word order with -s (It suffices to say). Do not mix the patterns: It suffice is ungrammatical.

Incorrect:Far be it for me to question the estimate, but the labour cost has doubled.

Correct:Far be it from me to question the estimate, but the labour cost has doubled.

The standard preposition in this formula is from. For occurs in speech, but reference works label it nonstandard.

Incorrect:Far is it from me to correct a native speaker.

Correct:Far be it from me to correct a native speaker.

The formula requires the bare form be before the subject. Is does not reproduce the subjunctive formula.

Incorrect:Far be it from me directing the queue, but the second till is free.

Correct:Far be it from me to direct the queue, but the second till is free.

After me, use to + base verb. A gerund does not fit the pattern.

Incorrect:Suffice it to saying that the second visit went no better.

Correct:Suffice it to say that the second visit went no better.

To is an infinitive marker here, so it takes the bare form say, not saying.

Sources

God forbid / Heaven help / Long live: bare verb forms in wishes and exclamations

The base form in an expression of a wish

These three expressions preserve the old optative subjunctive, a form used to express wishes. What remains is the bare verb form: forbid, help, live. A third-person singular subject such as God or Heaven does not change it, because this subjunctive form has no person or number agreement.

Adding -s is therefore more than a minor spelling slip. It changes the verb to the indicative and changes the message: instead of a wish, it becomes a statement about what someone actually does. The missing ending carries the distinction, so this rule calls for attention rather than difficult vocabulary.

Notice that the -s distinction is visible only with a singular subject. In Long live the founders!, live matches the ordinary plural form, so a learner may produce it correctly without knowing the rule. Check your understanding with a singular subject.

How to build it

God / Heaven + forbid · God / Heaven + help + noun phrase · Long + live + noun phrase

NP / noun phrase
—
A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
noun
—
A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.

God forbid that the tunnel should flood during a shift change.

God forbid that the tunnel should flood during a shift change.

God is singular, but the verb stays in the bare form forbid, not forbids.

Heaven help the surveyor who has to explain this to the council.

Heaven help the surveyor who has to explain this to the council.

Bare help anticipates trouble for the person named. The surveyor is the object, not the subject.

Long live the harbour choir!

Long live the harbour choir!

The verb is bare live, with long placed first. The noun phrase after the verb is the subject.

2. Three formulas, three intentions

God forbid expresses a strong wish that an event should not happen. The speaker names the unwanted event while rejecting the very prospect of it. It often responds to someone’s suggestion, or introduces the speaker’s own concern about a risk.

Heaven help + noun phrase focuses on a person or organisation rather than an event: trouble lies ahead for whoever is named. Dictionaries recognise two shades of meaning: sincere sympathy for someone in difficulty and an implied threat to someone who acts against a prohibition. Context determines which is intended.

Long live + noun phrase wishes a long existence, often ceremonially, in toasts, slogans and speeches. Neutral technical writing normally describes the risk or consequence directly. In the unlikely event that additionally labels an event unlikely; God forbid does not do that by itself.

God forbid that the second pump should give out before the tide turns.

God forbid that the second pump should give out before the tide turns.

The speaker names the unwanted event and expresses a wish to avert it.

Heaven help the two climbers still above the ridge.

Heaven help the two climbers still above the ridge.

Here the tone is sympathetic: the people named are in difficulty.

Heaven help anyone who moves that scaffolding before the inspector arrives.

Heaven help anyone who moves that scaffolding before the inspector arrives.

The same formula now has a threatening tone: consequences await anyone who disobeys.

Long live the canal trust that dredged this channel for forty years!

Long live the canal trust that dredged this channel for forty years!

This ceremonial expression suits a celebration rather than a neutral report.

3. Identifying subjects and objects

In God forbid, God is the subject and forbid the verb. In Heaven help us, Heaven is the subject and us the object. The base form expresses the wish. A singular subject simply makes the contrast with ordinary forbids / helps particularly visible.

Long live the republic! has a different order: the noun phrase is the subject, placed after the verb. Initial long is followed by inversion in this fixed formula. Mistaking the republic for an object can produce Long live to the republic, but the subject cannot be introduced by to.

In the related pattern Long may she reign, the modal may also precedes the subject: auxiliary–subject inversion. The main verb reign remains after she. In Long live the republic, it is live itself that comes before the subject.

How to build it

Long (adverb) + live (bare form) + subject · Heaven + help + object

subject / S
—
The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
object / O
—
Who or what an action affects: in I read a book, a book is the object.
adverb
—
A word adding information about an action, quality or circumstance: slowly, very, often.

Long live the seed bank and everyone who fills its shelves!

Long live the seed bank and everyone who fills its shelves!

The compound subject follows the verb. Do not introduce it with a preposition.

Heaven help us if the freezers stay off until morning.

Heaven help us if the freezers stay off until morning.

Us is the object. Heaven is a singular subject, making the bare verb form especially noticeable.

Long may the little press on Mill Street go on printing.

Long may the little press on Mill Street go on printing.

May precedes the subject the little press, showing modal–subject inversion. The main verb go follows the subject.

4. What can follow the formula?

God forbid can be followed by a clause with its own subject. That is optional and does not change the meaning. Should commonly occurs inside this clause; it does not express obligation here, but presents an imagined event. A bare verb form without should is also common.

For the usual wish to avert an event, the clearest pattern is God forbid (that) + subject + verb. Ordinary forbid somebody to do something expresses a prohibition addressed to someone. Do not automatically substitute that construction for the pattern practised here.

Heaven help takes an object without a preposition: us, the volunteers. The noun may have a relative clause. After Long live, the usual examples contain a noun phrase functioning as subject, which may also include a relative clause.

How to build it

God forbid (that) + subject + should + base verb (or subject + bare verb form)

subject / S
—
The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
verb / V
—
A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
V1 / base form
—
The base verb without to: work, go, be.

God forbid the appeal should be filed a day late.

God forbid the appeal should be filed a day late.

That is omitted, while the clause with its subject and should remains.

God forbid that anyone touch the wiring before the power is off.

God forbid that anyone touch the wiring before the power is off.

The version without should uses the bare form touch inside the clause.

Heaven help the ward sister who takes over at midnight.

Heaven help the ward sister who takes over at midnight.

A noun phrase without a preposition is followed by a relative clause with who.

5. A fixed formula: no tense changes, do-support or question form

The fixed expressions do not follow ordinary verb inflection. They do not become past-tense, will-future, progressive, do-questions or don’t-negatives while retaining the same formula. Adding an auxiliary changes the structure into an ordinary verb construction rather than this fixed exclamation.

This restriction concerns the formula itself, not the whole sentence. Should, will or a past tense can occur within a dependent clause. Distinguish the two levels: the fixed opening frame and the ordinary grammar inside the material that follows.

For the same reason, these particular formulas do not form negatives in the usual way. To express a different or opposite wish, choose another formula or an ordinary construction rather than mechanically negating this one.

Long live the mountain rescue team that went out in that weather!

Long live the mountain rescue team that went out in that weather!

Past tense is appropriate inside the relative clause, while the formula itself retains the bare form.

God forbid that the last radio should fail up there.

God forbid that the last radio should fail up there.

Should operates inside the dependent clause, not in the opening formula.

Heaven help the crew that sails without a forecast.

Heaven help the crew that sails without a forecast.

No auxiliary comes before help. The fixed frame is Heaven help.

6. Parenthetical God forbid

God forbid can move from the main clause into a parenthetical position, set off by commas or dashes within another sentence. A common conversational pattern is If, God forbid, the dam gives way…. The formula can also stand alone as an exclamation responding to a possibility just mentioned.

A crucial point: in parenthetical position, the formula does not negate anything. The surrounding sentence still treats the event as possible. God forbid marks only the speaker’s attitude. Reading it as grammatical negation would reverse the conditional meaning.

The punctuation matters. Set the parenthetical expression off on both sides with commas or dashes so the reader can distinguish it from the surrounding clause, rather than trying to read God as part of that clause.

If, God forbid, the border crossing closes overnight, the lorries will queue on the bridge.

If, God forbid, the border crossing closes overnight, the lorries will queue on the bridge.

The formula is enclosed in commas. Closure of the crossing remains a possibility, not a negated event.

The lower deck would be under water in minutes — God forbid — long before anyone reached the hatch.

The lower deck would be under water in minutes — God forbid — long before anyone reached the hatch.

The same parenthetical expression appears between dashes inside an ongoing sentence.

God forbid! I had not even thought of that.

God forbid! I had not even thought of that.

A standalone response exclamation, with no following complement clause.

7. Alternatives to the first word

The first word varies in two of the formulas: God forbid / Heaven forbid and God help us / Heaven help us, with Lord forbid and Lord help us also found in conversational usage. The core meaning stays the same; the choice reflects how directly the speaker wishes to name God. Dictionaries also record archaic Heaven forfend, recognisable but rare in present-day writing.

Long live has no corresponding set of alternatives. Its first word is an adverb, not the name of a higher power, so this kind of substitution does not apply.

We do not practise related formulas such as God bless you, God save the King or so help me God here. They have related structures but their own meanings and usage boundaries.

Heaven forbid that the register should leave this room.

Heaven forbid that the register should leave this room.

Heaven replaces God without changing the structure or core meaning.

Lord help the ticket inspector who tries to fine that crowd.

Lord help the ticket inspector who tries to fine that crowd.

A conversational variant with Lord. The bare form help is still required.

Long live the glass foundry that kept half this town in work!

Long live the glass foundry that kept half this town in work!

No corresponding replacement of the first word applies here: long is an adverb, not a name.

8. Boundaries: other sources of a bare form

The same bare form appears elsewhere in English grammar, including a subordinate clause after a verb or adjective that licenses the subjunctive: The claimants demanded that the tribunal reopen the case. There, a trigger in the main clause licenses the form. In our three formulas, there is no such external trigger: the fixed frame itself carries the wish meaning.

The wider topic includes two other groups of fixed expressions with different discourse functions: some concede a point or acknowledge circumstances; others qualify the speaker’s own claim or disclaim a position. Our three are optative: they express wishes or warnings. Confusing them in a text means confusing intentions, not merely forms.

These formulas have a noticeable tone. God forbid can sound religious or function as a familiar secular exclamation. Heaven forbid is a milder alternative for some speakers. Long live can be a sincere slogan or an ironic comment, depending on context.

The claimants demanded that the tribunal reopen the case.

The claimants demanded that the tribunal reopen the case.

The bare form reopen is licensed by demanded, not by an exclamatory formula.

God forbid that the tribunal should reopen the case.

God forbid that the tribunal should reopen the case.

There is no external mandative trigger here. The opening frame God forbid supplies the wish meaning.

Long live the small claims court — the only one that answers the phone!

Long live the small claims court — the only one that answers the phone!

Deliberate irony: a ceremonial frame is applied to an everyday matter.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:God forbid we losing the parish registers.

Correct:God forbid that we lose the parish registers.

This clause, with optional that, needs a complete verb construction: we lose or we should lose. Losing alone, without an auxiliary, does not form the predicate here.

Incorrect:God forbid to lose the only copy of the charter.

Correct:God forbid we should lose the only copy of the charter.

An infinitive does not complete this target formula. Use a clause naming who might lose the copy.

Incorrect:Long will live the co-operative that saved the mill!

Correct:Long live the co-operative that saved the mill!

The fixed Long live formula does not take will. Adding it changes the verb structure and loses the target exclamation.

Incorrect:Heaven live the volunteer brigade that put out that fire!

Correct:Long live the volunteer brigade that put out that fire!

In this fixed expression, live follows the adverb long. The first word is not a divine name; Heaven live does not form the intended conventional formula.

Incorrect:Long live to the seed bank!

Correct:Long live the seed bank!

The noun phrase after live is the subject, so do not put to before it.

Incorrect:Heaven help to the volunteers who cleared the road.

Correct:Heaven help the volunteers who cleared the road.

Help takes a direct object without a preposition in this formula. To comes from a mistaken analogy with give help to somebody.

Incorrect:God forbid that the kiln should cracks during the firing.

Correct:God forbid that the kiln should crack during the firing.

Use the base form crack without -s after should. Should presents an unwanted possibility here; the point is not a universal contrast between imagined actions and every use of would.

Sources
Practise with Vocairo