Question

Fill in the blank with an appropriate modal that demonstrates a past possibility.
I ____ be a clerk, but now I am an officer.
A) Used to
B) Must
C) Should
D) Will

Answer 1

Hint: A modal is a kind of verb and is called a modal verb. The function of it is to describe the modality which indicates any permission, request, order, advice, or any likelihood. The commonly used modal verbs are can, could, will, would, may, might.

Complete answer:
“Used to” is mostly used when describing any past event that has happened for a long span of time and it no longer is happening. Since in the above sentence, the man was a clerk and since he is no longer one and is currently in another profession, this is the most appropriate usage of the model and it demonstrates a past possibility.
The usage “must” is used for expressing any kind of an obligation. The usage of it is limited to only future and present references. Thus it is not an appropriate usage for the above sentence and does not demonstrate the past possibility.
The usage “should” is also an expression of any kind of obligation. It is limited for future and present references, therefore it is not an appropriate modal to be used and also does not demonstrate the past possibility.
“Will” is commonly used in any conditional sentences. And is most appropriately used in future references. Thus it does not demonstrate a past possibility and is not the appropriate option.
Thus from the above-given options, the most appropriate one is A.
The complete sentence thus framed will be “I used to be a clerk, but now I am an officer.”

Note:
Modality is used to define the speaker’s or a writer’s attitude of speech. It can be an obligation, certainty, necessity, possibility, or ability. It is used when expressing the attitude or opinions of a writer.