Correcting Grammatical Errors: Analyzing the Sentence 'The Waiter Insisted Them to Order Something While the Salmon is Being Prepared'

Proper sentence structure and grammatical correctness are crucial for effective communication. In this article, we will analyze the sentence, 'The waiter insisted them to order something while the salmon is being prepared,' and provide the correct form while explaining the rules behind it.

1. Identifying the Error in the Sentence

The given sentence 'The waiter insisted them to order something while the salmon is being prepared' has several grammatical issues. Let's break it down and correct each error step by step:

1.1 Capitalization: The first word of a sentence should always be capitalized. Hence, 'The' should be capitalized.

1.2 Use of Present Continuous Tense: The sentence should be in past tense as the situation has already occurred. Therefore, 'is being prepared' should be changed to 'was being prepared.'

1.3 Verb Usage and Subject Complement: The verb 'insist' requires a subjunctive mood, which is introduced by the word 'that' in this case. Hence, 'insisted them' should be corrected to 'insisted that they.'

Corrected sentence: 'The waiter insisted that they order something while the salmon was being prepared.'

2. Common Mistakes with 'Insist'

The verb 'insist' can be tricky due to its usage with different structures. It is important to understand the correct way to use it.

2.1 Usage with 'that': When 'insist' is used to express a desire or demand, it is followed by the word 'that' followed by a clause in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is a special form of a verb that is used in formal or literary contexts. Essentially, it is the same as the base form of the verb without the 's' for third-person singular present tense. Therefore, 'insist that someone do something' is the correct structure.

2.2 Incorrect Usage: Another common mistake is using 'insist' followed by an infinitive (to verb) without 'that.' This is incorrect. For example, saying 'The waiter insisted them to order something' is wrong. The correct form is 'The waiter insisted that they order something.'

3. Other Verbs That Follow a Similar Structure

In English, several verbs use the subjunctive mood in a similar structure to 'insist.' For example:

Verb: Suggest Example: 'He suggested that we start the meeting immediately.' Verb: Demand Example: 'The manager demanded that the order be delivered promptly.' Verb: Recommend Example: 'She recommended that the project be delayed.'

These verbs also require the use of 'that' followed by the subjunctive mood, not the infinitive form.

4. Additional Tips on Subjunctive Mood

After mastering the basic structure of 'insist that someone do something,' it's important to note that the subjunctive form is only observed in the third-person singular present tense (he, she, it) and in some other cases. Here are some key points:

Third-Person Singular Present Tense: 'He insisted that she order something' (not 'she orders'). Other Forms: For other forms, the subjunctive form is the same as the base form of the verb (e.g., 'insist that they order something').

5. Conclusion

Properly structuring the verb 'insist' is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the correct use of the subjunctive mood, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your sentences are grammatically correct. Remember to use 'that' and the subjunctive form when expressing desires or demands with 'insist.'

Remember to review and practice these rules to enhance your English language proficiency and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.