<p>Can anyone explain this:</p>
<p>My father insists that before (buying a used car, have it) thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic</p>
<p>(a) buying a used car, have it
(b) buying a used car, it is
(c) buying a used car, I have it --> (Correct answer)
(d) I buy a used car to have it
(e) I buy a used car having it</p>
<p>I’m not sure what part of the sentence you don’t understand, so I will just go through three of the main ones I see:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>“My father insists that . . . I have it” is a structure that uses the subjunctive mood. In this case, the subjunctive mood expresses a recommendation. “She insists that he wait. He recommends that she hurry up.” “My father insists that I have my car thoroughly inspected (before buying it).” Here’s a link for further reading on the subjunctive mood: [Verbs</a> and Verbals](<a href=“http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm#subjunctive]Verbs”>http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/verbs.htm#subjunctive)</p></li>
<li><p>To have something thoroughly inspected is to cause it to be thoroughly inspected. The meaning also conveys a sense that the person should make sure it is thoroughly inspected.</p></li>
<li><p>“before buying a used car” tells you something about the act of thoroughly inspecting a car. In this sentence, the recommendation is that the person thoroughly inspect the used car before buying it. You can say that in two ways:
[indent]I should have a used car thoroughly inspected before I buy it.
OR
Before I buy a used car, I should have it thoroughly inspected.<a href=“Of%20course%20there%20are%20other%20ways%20of%20saying%20this.”>/indent</a></p></li>
</ol>
<p>Let me show you how the sentence can be put together (in steps):</p>
<p>I. My father insists that I have a used car thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic.
II. My father insists that I have a used car thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic before I buy it.
III. My father insists that, before I buy a used car, I have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic.
IV. My father insists that, before buying a used car, I have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic.</p>
<p>The problem with A, D, and E is that they are not full sentences. For example, answer choice A basically reads, “My father insists that . . . have it thoroughly inspected by a reputable mechanic.” It is missing an “I” before the word “have,” and the sentence sounds incomplete and incoherent.</p>
<p>The problem with B is that it lacks an appropriate subject. “before buying a used car” reveals the act of buying a used car, but we don’t know who is buying it. So you have to include the subject “I.” The suggestion is that “I” do something before “I” buy a used car.</p>