Question

Choose the suitable modal verb for this sentence:
Do you believe he _____ swim so far across the river?
a) Could
b) Can
c) May
d) Might

Answer 1

Hint:A modal verb is an auxiliary verb (such as `can' or `will') that is used to express modality.
For example- should, can, would.

Complete answer:
Modals are used with verbs to express possibility, permission, certainly, etc.
Let us thus analyze the options given to us in this question:

Option (a.), 'could', refers to either the past tense form of ‘can’ or to express seeking permission or making a request in a polite manner.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as the modal in this sentence cannot be in the past tense, as the ability to swim is being analyzed in the present.

Option (b.), ‘can', refers to a modal that expresses capacity or ability.
Therefore, option (b.) is correct as we are referring to the ability to swim in the sentence.

Option (c.), ‘may', refers to a modal that expresses possibility.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as the given blank requires a modal that expresses ability.

Option (d.), ‘might', refers to a modal that expresses less possibility than ‘may’.
Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as the given blank requires a modal that expresses ability.

Note:
In this type of question, it will help the students to judge which tense of the modal is needed by seeing the tense of the main verb.
For example, in the given sentence, the main verb ‘believe’ is in the simple present tense. This tells us that the modal verb should follow its lead by being in its simple present tense form.