In this sentence, the verb ‘insisted’ cannot be changed to its ‘-ing’ form because of the grammatical structure it follows. ‘Insisted’ is a verb in the past tense and is part of a causative construction in this sentence, which requires a direct object (his son) and a base form verb (‘go’).
Understanding the Structure
The phrase ‘insisted that his son go to bed earlier’ uses the verb ‘insist’ in a common construction where ‘that’ introduces a noun clause. The verb ‘insist’ here is followed by a that-clause and is used in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood requires the base form of the verb, in this case, ‘go’ instead of ‘going.’
If ‘insisted’ were changed to ‘insisting,’ it would change the sentence’s structure and meaning. The ‘-ing’ form would typically be used when the verb is in a continuous tense or when it acts as a gerund. This would not fit the intended meaning here, as ‘insist’ does not typically follow the continuous or gerund form in this context.
Why the Base Form is Needed
In the construction ‘insist that + base verb,’ the base form is a standard requirement of the subjunctive mood, which expresses necessity, suggestion, or a demand. It signals that something should happen or be done, rather than merely describing an action in progress.
Therefore, the correct structure in this sentence is ‘insisted that his son go to bed,’ not ‘insisted that his son going to bed.’
Other Examples of ‘Insist’ in the Subjunctive Mood
Here are a few more examples where the verb ‘insist’ is followed by a that-clause with the base form of the verb:
- She insisted that he study harder.
- They insisted that we leave immediately.
- The teacher insisted that the students be quiet.
Summary
The verb ‘insisted’ cannot be changed to the ‘-ing’ form because it is part of a subjunctive construction requiring the base form of the verb in the clause that follows. This structure conveys a necessity or demand, and using the ‘-ing’ form would disrupt the grammatical structure and meaning of the sentence.
コメント