Question

Fill in the blank with suitable modal :
One _________ obey one’s parents.
A. Can
B. Must
C. Shall
D. Might

Answer 1

Hint:Modals are special verbs which adds additional Information to the action of the main verb. Modals are used to express functions such as permission, obligations , advice, probability, possibility, prohibition, lack of necessity, ability. Example: You must be tired, take some rest (Certainty). Example: May I use this pen ? ( permission). We will choose an option that best suits the message of the sentence. This sentence mentions obedience towards one’s parents.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option in detail to figure out the correct answer.

A. Can: The modal verb ‘can’ is used in case of permissions, ability, possibility. Example: Can I come in? Example: I can speak french! Example: Smoking can cause cancer. By implying this option, the sentence becomes “One can obey one’s parents”. This doesn’t make sense as the sentence conveys a sense of obligation . Therefore , this is not the correct option.

B. Must: The modal verb ‘must’ is used in case of strong obligation, certainty. Example: One must not break traffic rules. By implying this option, the sentence becomes “One must obey one’s parents”. This option suits the given sentence as the sentence suggests a sense of obligation towards obeying parents. Therefore, this is the correct option.

C. Shall: The modal verb ‘shall’ is used to offer information, advice , and offer to do something. Example: Shall I come tomorrow? By implying this option, the sentence becomes “One shall obey one’s parents”. This doesn’t make sense as the sentence conveys a sense of obligation . Therefore , this is not the correct option.

D. Might: The modal verb ‘might’ is used to express a polite permission, probability, possibility. Example: It might rain today ! By implying this option, the sentence becomes “one might obey one’s parents”. This doesn’t make sense as the sentence conveys a sense of obligation . Therefore , this is not the correct option.
Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘B’.

Note: Modal verbs are also called auxiliary verbs or modal auxiliaries. They possess a great variety of auxiliary functions. Forms of Modal verbs are never changed. You can't add "s", "ed", "ing. They are always followed by an infinitive without ‘to’. Example: You must study hard. (Correct).