Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
The manager insisted that (1)/ every member completes (2)/ the survey before (3)/ the deadline expired. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
(2)
Explanation
The error lies in part (2) of the sentence due to a violation of the subjunctive mood.
Certain verbs that express a demand, requirement, suggestion, or insistence (such as insist, demand, recommend, suggest, mandate) take a that-clause containing a verb in the base form (subjunctive mood). In this structure, the verb remains bare regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural, and it does not change based on the tense of the main verb (insisted).
Incorrect: The manager insisted that every member completes...
Correct: The manager insisted that every member complete...
Key Points
Grammar Rule: Subject + verb of insistence (insisted) + that + Subject + Base Verb V1.
Correction: Change "completes" to the base form "complete".