Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option.
Shopkeeper: All right, Sir, I _____ show you several designs in different colours.
A. Can
B. May
C. Could
D. Might

Answer 1

Hint: Modal verbs refer to those verbs or words that are used to indicate potentiality, probability, or necessity. For example- Can, could, may, might, will, etc.

Complete answer: Let’s look at the usage of different modal verbs-
Can- ‘Can’ is a modal verb that is used to indicate the capability or potentiality of a person to do something. For example- She can write a letter to you.
May- ‘May’ is a modal verb that is used for taking consent or authority to do something or to indicate the probability of an action taking place. For example- She may be at work, or at home.
Could- ‘Could’ is the past tense form of ‘can’. It is used to indicate the potentiality or ability of a person to do something in the past or in indirect speech. For example- She said she could do it for me.
Might- ‘Might’ is the past tense of ‘may’. It is used to indicate the probability of action in the past tense or in indirect speech. For example- They might have taken it last night.
In the given question: We know that the shopkeeper is indicating the ability to show several designs in a different color to the customer. Hence, we will use ‘can’, because ‘can’ is used to indicate potentiality or ability.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
Option A. ‘Can’ is the correct option because we are indicating the shopkeeper’s ability to show different designs and colours.
Option B. ‘May’ is an incorrect option because we are not talking about the possibility of an action taking place.
Option C. ‘Could’ is an incorrect option because the action is taking place in the present.
Option D. ‘Might’ is an incorrect option because the action is taking place in the present. The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note: Keep in mind, ‘could’ is used for making polite requests and statements, whereas ‘can’ indicates assurance to do that action.