0
Coachpotato Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
insist
How would you complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first one?
'You must stay the night, Sophia,' Ann said.
Ann insisted ...
I've thought of four possible answers, but I don't know if all of them are correct:
Ann insisted that Sophia stayed the night.
Ann insisted that Sophia stay the night. (I'm not so sure about this one)
Ann insisted that Sophia should stay the night.
Ann insisted on Sophia staying the night.
TIA
'You must stay the night, Sophia,' Ann said.
Ann insisted ...
I've thought of four possible answers, but I don't know if all of them are correct:
Ann insisted that Sophia stayed the night.
Ann insisted that Sophia stay the night. (I'm not so sure about this one)
Ann insisted that Sophia should stay the night.
Ann insisted on Sophia staying the night.
TIA
Top answer
It seems to me the verb 'insist' falls in the category of verbs like 'suggest', 'recommend', 'ask'... for which it makes sense to use a subjonctive clause. This means the infinitive form after 'that' : 'Ann insisted that Sophie stay the night'.
- It seems to me the verb 'insist' falls in the category of verbs like 'suggest', 'recommend', 'ask'...
- for which it makes sense to use a subjonctive clause.
- This means the infinitive form after 'that' : 'Ann insisted that Sophie stay the night'.
- But I think other valid options include the 'would' or 'should' form : 'Ann insisted that Sophie should stay the night'.
- This rules out option 1 and 4 above, and leaves you with 2 and 3 as possible options.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
3 Answers
0
It seems to me the verb 'insist' falls in the category of verbs like 'suggest', 'recommend', 'ask'... for which it makes sense to use a subjonctive clause. This means the infinitive form after 'that' :
'Ann insisted that Sophie stay the night'.
But I think other valid options include the 'would' or 'should' form :
'Ann insisted that Sophie should stay the night'.
This rules out opt
'Ann insisted that Sophie stay the night'.
But I think other valid options include the 'would' or 'should' form :
'Ann insisted that Sophie should stay the night'.
This rules out opt
00
I would only bar the first one, CP. As Waiti says, subjunctive is called for, and I myself much prefer insisted that I stay; Brits, I think, prefer insisted that I should stay. (Would is not applicable here.) Your last one needs a bit of repair: insisted on Sophia's staying.
00
Related Questions