
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
Why didn’t you help him? You ___ have done it.
A) must
B) can
C) could
D) were to
Answer
412.2k+ views
Hint: In the given question, we have to complete the sentence choosing the appropriate modal verb. The given sentence is in simple past tense because the word “didn’t” is used. Hence, we have to use the past tense of appropriate modal verbs.
Complete answer:
A modal verb is a type of verb that is used to indicate modality – that is: likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or advice. In English, the modal verbs commonly used are can, could, must, should, had better, have to and sometimes need or dare.
Let us evaluate the options:
Option A) must – This option is incorrect because the word “must” is used to give command or order. Here the speaker is not commanding rather he is asking for the reason of not helping. Hence, it is not appropriate to use the word “must”.
Option B) can – This option is incorrect because the sentence is in past tense. We cannot use the present form “can” for continuing the past tense sentence “why didn’t you help him?”
Option C) could – This option is correct because “could” is the past form of “can”. The speaker is conveying that the other person could’ve helped but didn’t do it so. Since the first sentence is in past tense, the word “could” in the second sentence is the appropriate answer.
Option D) were to – This option is incorrect because “were” is past tense of auxiliary verbs “are”. We have to use a modal verb as an appropriate answer. “Were” is not a modal verb and cannot be used together with the second person singular “You” in the given sentence. Moreover, “have” has been already used in the sentence so we cannot use “to” together with “were”.
Hence option C is correct. Why didn’t you help him? You could have done it. – is the correct answer.
Note: We have to pay attention to the tense of the sentence and the action that takes place in the sentence. In the given question, the action (chance) of “not helping” was already over hence the answer should be in past tense.
Complete answer:
A modal verb is a type of verb that is used to indicate modality – that is: likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or advice. In English, the modal verbs commonly used are can, could, must, should, had better, have to and sometimes need or dare.
Let us evaluate the options:
Option A) must – This option is incorrect because the word “must” is used to give command or order. Here the speaker is not commanding rather he is asking for the reason of not helping. Hence, it is not appropriate to use the word “must”.
Option B) can – This option is incorrect because the sentence is in past tense. We cannot use the present form “can” for continuing the past tense sentence “why didn’t you help him?”
Option C) could – This option is correct because “could” is the past form of “can”. The speaker is conveying that the other person could’ve helped but didn’t do it so. Since the first sentence is in past tense, the word “could” in the second sentence is the appropriate answer.
Option D) were to – This option is incorrect because “were” is past tense of auxiliary verbs “are”. We have to use a modal verb as an appropriate answer. “Were” is not a modal verb and cannot be used together with the second person singular “You” in the given sentence. Moreover, “have” has been already used in the sentence so we cannot use “to” together with “were”.
Hence option C is correct. Why didn’t you help him? You could have done it. – is the correct answer.
Note: We have to pay attention to the tense of the sentence and the action that takes place in the sentence. In the given question, the action (chance) of “not helping” was already over hence the answer should be in past tense.
Recently Updated Pages
How do you solve 05c+3492c4 class 8 maths CBSE

How do you solve dfrac1112dfracn36 class 8 maths CBSE

The value of 015 of 33dfrac13 of Rs10000 is A Rs005 class 8 maths CBSE

Convert 349cm into m class 8 physics CBSE

How do you find the square root of dfrac9144 class 8 maths CBSE

Construct the following quadrilateral Quadrilateral class 8 maths CBSE

Trending doubts
Write a book review which you have recently read in class 8 english CBSE

When people say No pun intended what does that mea class 8 english CBSE

In Indian rupees 1 trillion is equal to how many c class 8 maths CBSE

How many ounces are in 500 mL class 8 maths CBSE

You want to apply for admission into a prestigious class 8 english CBSE

Give a character sketch of Griffin the scientist in class 8 english CBSE
