SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 5

SSC CGL - 16 Sep 2025 - Shift 3 • English • Q5

Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence:

She insisted that she comes with us.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. should come with us.

The Subjunctive Mood and 'Insisted'

The verb 'insisted' is a verb of demand or suggestion. In formal English, when verbs like insist, suggest, recommend, or demand are followed by a 'that' clause, we use the Subjunctive Mood.

Rules for the Subjunctive Mood:

  • The Base Form: We use the base form of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'), regardless of the subject.

    • Incorrect: She insisted that she comes with us. (Using the simple present 'comes' is grammatically weak here).

    • Correct (Formal Subjunctive): She insisted that she come with us.

  • The 'Should' Construction: In many variants of English (especially British English), it is common and correct to use should + base verb to express this same requirement.

    • Correct: She insisted that she should come with us.

Final Sentence: She insisted that she should come with us. 

Hence, the chosen option is correct.