Question

Fill in the blank with the most suitable option:
_____ you remember which shoe you put on first this morning?
a)May
b)Can
c)Should
d)Were

Answer 1

Hint: We can comprehend that X is asking Y if he is able to remember which shoe, he put on first.

Complete step-by-step answer:

As given in the hint, the above-given sentence is an informal interrogative sentence.
We use modal verbs to indicate ability, ask permission, and make requests. Modal verbs can alter the meaning and expression of other verbs in a sentence.
Example- Can I go home now? Here, X is asking for polite and informal permission to go home.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
a)May- It is used to ask for permission in a formal way. But we cannot use a formal modal verb in an informal conversation. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- May I come in, ma’am?
b)Can- It is used to ask for permission in an informal conversation. Hence, it is the correct option.
Example- Can I take this pen?
c)Should- We use should indicate something that might happen in the future. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- You should read this book.
d)Were- It is the past tense form of being. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- We were going to the market.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: ‘Can’ is used in informal situations but ‘could’ can be used in formal situations, because it sounds much politer.