Question

Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb from the given choices:
Mona Lisa _ _ _ _ _ _ painted by Leonardo.
a) Has
b) Was
c) Will
d) Could

Answer 1

Hint: Auxiliary verbs are verbs that add functional or grammatical value to the clause in which it is present. It is issued with another verb to show the verb’s tense, or to form a question, etc.

Complete answer:
The sentence is in the simple past tense; this can be inferred from the verb ‘painted’. Option a, ‘has’ is used in the present perfect tense, and present perfect tense denotes an event that began in the past and is continuing in the present, but the painting of ‘Mona Lisa’ was completed long back. Thus, this is invalid in this context. Therefore, option ‘a’ is incorrect.
Option b ‘was’ is used when a sentence is in the simple past tense, and the given sentence as mentioned above is in the simple past tense. Thus, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.
Option c ‘will’ is a modal which is used along with a verb to denote an action that is still to happen, i.e. The future tense. For example, “I will go to the gym tomorrow.” The given sentence is in the simple past tense. Thus, the option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d ‘could’ is a modal that is used to express ability or potential in the past. For example, “She could have definitely done better this time.” It is also used to seek permission. “Could I borrow your phone for a minute?” The given sentence does not express an ability, potential, or seek permission, Hence, option d is incorrect.

Note:
While choosing the answer make sure to take into consideration the tense of the sentence. The tense can be known through the verb in the sentence, which is in the past simple form.