Q.2 One of the parts (A, B, C, D) in the sentence given below contains an ERROR. Which one of the
following is INCORRECT?
I requested that he should be given the driving test today instead of tomorrow.
(A) requested that
(B) should be given
(C) the driving test
(D) instead of tomorrow
The error is in part (B) “should be given” – subjunctive mood after “requested that” requires the base verb form “be given” without “should.”
Correct Answer
(B) should be given
Detailed Option Analysis
(A) requested that ✅ CORRECT
Standard structure for formal requests expressing a wish/desire. “Requested that” introduces subjunctive mood, not indicative. Usage: “I requested that he [base verb]…” [grammar rule: verbs of request + subjunctive]
(B) should be given ❌ INCORRECT
Error location. In subjunctive constructions after verbs like request, demand, suggest, the base form of the verb is used: “be given” (not “should be given”). “Should” belongs to indicative mood, making this grammatically wrong.
Correct sentence: “I requested that he be given the driving test today…”
(C) the driving test ✅ CORRECT
Definite article “the” properly specifies the particular driving test. Natural noun phrase, no idiomatic or structural error.
(D) instead of tomorrow ✅ CORRECT
Standard adverbial phrase comparing alternatives. “Instead of + noun” is idiomatic English for substitution.
| Part | Correct/Incorrect | Grammar Rule |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | ✅ | “Requested that” + subjunctive |
| (B) | ❌ | Should ≠ subjunctive |
| (C) | ✅ | Proper noun phrase |
| (D) | ✅ | “Instead of” idiom |
Subjunctive Mood Rule
After verbs of request/requirement (request, demand, insist, suggest):
❌ I requested that he SHOULD go.
✅ I requested that he GO. [base form]
❌ She suggested that we SHOULD leave.
✅ She suggested that we LEAVE.
Mnemonic: No “should” in subjunctive after request verbs.
The sentence “I requested that he should be given the driving test today instead of tomorrow” contains a classic subjunctive mood error in competitive grammar tests.
The Error: Part (B) “should be given”
WRONG: requested that he SHOULD be given
RIGHT: requested that he BE given [base verb]
Subjunctive Rule for Request Verbs
Request, demand, suggest, recommend, insist → base verb form (no “should”):
✅ I demand that he BE here.
✅ She insists that we LEAVE now.
Exam Strategy
CSIR-NET/UGC-NET English: “Should” after request verbs = instant error flag. Memorize: Request → Base verb.
Corrected: “I requested that he be given the driving test today instead of tomorrow.”
