Select the correct verb form for the mandative clause:
It is crucial that every candidate _____ strictly to the examination regulations published by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. adhere
- Step 1: Identify the governing adjective of urgency: 'It is important that' introduces a formal mandative subjunctive clause.
- Step 2: In formal subjunctive constructions, use the base form of the verb ('adhere') regardless of the third-person singular subject ('every candidate').
Answer
adhere.
Why not the others: 'adheres' uses the indicative singular present form which is non-standard in formal mandative subjunctive style; 'adhered' incorrectly uses the past tense; 'should adhere' introduces an unnecessary modal auxiliary that deviates from pure subjunctive style.
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