Question

Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal.
----- you open the window, please?
a) May
b) Might
c) Will
d) Would

Answer 1

Hint: Model words are helping words used to describe the state of the given circumstance. These words can be used to express emotions, requests, exasperation, permission and so on. Eg: May I help you? Will you send it to me by evening? Shall I help you with the groceries? The word, will, is used to represent any kind of actions that is definite to take place in the future, while, would, and is often used for requests, permissions and invitations.

Complete answer : Now, from the options given above,
a) May: this modal word is often used to wish someone luck or ask for permission. Eg: “May I go to the restroom?” Here the sentence implies a request from the person.
b) Might: this is often used to indicate a far possibility. This is not the answer. Eg: “The classes might open in the month of October”.
The sentence does not imply something that may happen in the future.
c) Will: It is used to refer to actions that are definite, whereas the above sentence is merely a request. It is not useful for requests. Eg: “Will you complete the assignment by Friday?”
d) Would: it is the apt modal word that can be used in the above sentence concerning a request. Eg: “Would you please clean the porch?”

Hence, Option d, is the correct answer for the above question.

Note: May and might are often referred to those related to giving. Will is rarely used for requests, since we usually relate it to things that will definitely happen, not those that have a doubt of the action taking place.