Choosing words

Question

Hi,which sentence is correct, please?He insisted on them attending the meeting.He insisted on their attending the meeting.He insisted that they should attend the meeting.He insisted that they attended the meeting.(not sure about these two)Thank you in advance!

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

He insisted on them attending the meeting. (incorrect, but you will hear it anyway)
He insisted on their attending the meeting. (Correct)

He insisted that they should attend the meeting. (OK)
He insisted that they attend the meeting. (Correct)

CalifJim · Answer

He insisted on them attending the meeting. Not the best way to say it. Casual style.
He insisted on their attending the meeting. Good.

He insisted that they should attend the meeting. Good.
He insisted that they attend the meeting. (suggested by A. Stars) Good. Same meaning.
He insisted that they attended the meeting. Good. Different meaning.

The first four all point toward the future. The last one expresses a strong claim that they did, in fact, attend the meeting (in the past). In a way, it's the opposite of He denied, thus:

He denied that they attended the meeting. (This expresses a strong claim that they did not, in fact, attend the meeting (in the past).

CJ

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