Learn English – Insist+ that-clause

mandativesubjunctivesword-usage

I have a question regarding the correct usage of 'insist' in a sentence.

So, I don't know which one I should write:

  1. My mother insisted that I should stay at home for a couple of days due to my illness.

or,

  1. My mother insisted that I am staying at home for a couple of days due to my illness.

Best Answer

According to the definition, insist by itself does not make anything happen.

So you should use should since it is natural to consider doing what your mother says, but you certainly don't have to. (In this statement I also use "should", since it is my recommendation but ultimately your choice how to say it.)

So it is correct to say:

My mother insisted that I should stay at home for a couple of days due to my illness.

am is better suited to a statement where something will certainly be done. For example:

I don't care what my mother says, I am going to that party.

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