Question

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal that denotes necessity:
You _________ not hurry, there is plenty of time.
a. May
b. Need
c. Dare
d. Should

Answer 1

Hint: Modal verbs are auxiliary or helping verbs which add meaning to the main verb in a sentence by expressing permission, obligation or possibility. You need to find the perfect modal verb that would complete the sentence.

Complete answer: As you can see in the above given sentence – the need is for a modal verb. Verbs such as - need, dare, ought and used, when functioning as modals, are called semi-modals. Why? Because semi-modals can be used as a main verb as well as a modal verb in a sentence.
Usually, as semi-modals, they are written as infinitives, with the preposition 'to', for e.g. – ought to, dare to, need to, used to etc. here, option b, the verb 'need' also has two uses, they are –
As a verb, it means – want, or require, and
As a modal verb, it means – be obliged, or be necessary.
As a modal the verb - need is commonly used as negatives and interrogatives. In this sentence, 'need' implies that one is not required 'to'. Also 'need' can mean – necessity. And in the above sentence it means 'It is not necessary for you to hurry'. Hence, this is the correct option.
Option a: 'May' means permission, but it does not agree to the rest of the sentence 'there is plenty of time'. Option c: 'Dare' refers to a warning or threat; the meaning (of this word) isn’t suitable here.
Option D: 'Should' means an advice; this word too isn't relevant here.

Note: Before attempting the question get familiar with the concept and usage of modal verbs and verbs in a sentence. Also keep in mind that the option you choose should bring out an appropriate meaning of the sentence.