Question

A permit is a document which states that you ______ do something.
Choose the word/ phrase that best completes the sentence.
A) Might
B) Cannot
C) May
D) Shall

Answer 1

Hint: All the given options are modal verbs. Modal verbs are those auxiliary verbs that tell about the mood of other verbs. From the given options we have to choose a modal verb to fill in the blank such that the sentence is grammatically correct.

Complete answer:
Let us first try to understand the meaning and conditions related to the use of given options:
A) Might - We use this modal verb when there is a ‘slight possibility’ for something to happen. It is usually used in reported speech. On a formal note, it is used to ask or suggest something civilly. E.g. He might come back home soon. Or If you allow, I might hit the target.
B) Cannot - Can is the modal verb and it is combined with not to mean ‘not allowed’ or ‘not do’. Can is the modal verb that is used in reference to an ability, permission and offers. E.g. He cannot swim.
C) May- May is the modal verb that is used for a permission or a possibility. E.g. They may visit us this week. Or May I come in ?
D) Shall - It is the modal verb which is used to show future tense or an offer or a suggestion or for asking information. E.g. You shall understand the importance of education. Or Shall I help you ?

Permit is a written document or oral confirmation to allow someone to do something. Option C is the correct answer because ‘may’ is related to a permission. Both can and may are related to permission but can is associated with an individual's personal capability whereas may is associated with ‘formal permission to do something’.

Therefore the correct sentence is ‘A permit is a document which states that you may do something.’ Thus the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note: After a modal,we always use the base form of the verb and the modals are always used in the same tense in which the verb in a sentence is given. Also, when we add ‘not’ with any given modal it becomes a negative modal for e.g. in the above options we added not to ‘can’ to make it ‘cannot’.