Question

Fill in the appropriate modal verb in the sentence given:
___ you please switch off the light on your way out?
a) Should
b) Would
c) Shall
d) Will

Answer 1

Hint: A modal auxiliary is an auxiliary verb (such as `can' or `will') that is used to express modality. Modality refers to a classification of propositions on the basis of whether they claim necessity or possibility or impossibility.

Complete answer:
In the given question, we have to find out which of the options given to us is used to express a request in the present tense.
Let us thus analyze the options given to us in this question-
Option (a.), 'should', is defined as ‘(auxiliary) be obliged to; have an obligation to; ought to; indicates that the subject of the sentence has some obligation to execute the sentence predicate.’Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as there is no obligation present here.
Option (b.), ‘would', is defined as ‘used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the present.’Therefore, option (b.) is correct as ‘would’ is also used to make requests.
Option (c.), ‘shall', is defined as ‘used similarly to indicate determination or obligation, particularly in the second and third person singular and plural.’Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as there is no obligation present in the sentence.
Option (d.), ‘will', is defined as ‘used with promises or voluntary actions that take place in the future.’Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as it is in the future tense.

Note:
In this question, it will be helpful for the student to recall the concept of verbs. A verb is a content word that denotes an action, occurrence, or state of existence. A verb is the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence.