Question

Fill in the blank with a suitable modal auxiliary denoting a suggestion:
You _____ call Paul first before planning to visit him.
A. Shall
B. Can
C. Should
D. Will

Answer 1

Hint: Modal is a type of auxiliary verb (helping verbs) that is used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. For example: can, could, may, might, will, must, shall, should and etc.

Complete step by step answer:
Option A) Shall – is an incorrect answer because ‘shall’ expresses something which will be done in future. Hence, it is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Can – is an incorrect answer because can expresses the ability which is not appropriate in the sentence. Hence, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Should – is the most appropriate answer as per the sentence because ‘should’ expresses an advice. Hence, this is the correct answer,
Option D) Will – is an incorrect answer because it expresses someone’s willingness to do something or to make offers and in this sentence it has nothing like this where a subject shows willingness in calling Paul.
You should call Paul first before planning to visit him.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
In such questions, modal verbs show us the attitude of the speaker to what is being said or done. Modal verbs show a certain mood they express. Modal verbs are also helpful when speaking ability, making requests, making offers, asking permission and more. Thus understanding of the sentence is very important and use of appropriate modal should be wisely used.