Question

Fill in with appropriate modal from the options.
I ________ like you to do as I tell you.
A) would
B) could
C) can
D) must

Answer 1

Hint: We are asked to fill in with a modal that is already there in the options. Read the question along with each option repeatedly to see which one would suit best. The modal here needs to be filled before the phrase ‘like you to do’, so the modal we insert here must have a tone of politeness. Remember that it cannot be a command. Also it cannot be asking if they are able to, because we are expressing a need.

Complete answer:
Here are the things we must understand once we read the question a few times. The modal here needs to be filled before the phrase ‘like you to do’, so the modal we insert here must have a tone of politeness. It should not be a forced action. So we rule out possibilities that sound like a command or even expressing the ability to carry out the task.

Let us look into the given options:
For option (A) would; it is the correct option since it is the only word that can be used to express desire or a wish. The first blank also must be a model of the past tense because the verb ‘do’ is in simple present; this means that the next verb must be done habitually. Also ‘would’ can follow ‘like to do’.
For option (B) could; it is incorrect because it is grammatically incorrect to have this word before the noun ‘like’. Also ‘could’ is used when we want to say that they are able to do it, rather than desire or willingness.
For option (C) can; it is incorrect, this is the present tense, it does not match with ‘like’ in this situation. Here ‘can’ would again mean that they are able to do something, but that is not what we require.
For option (D) must; this is incorrect because ‘must’ signifies command or a certain event but it is not right for this case.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: In general we use modals when we need to show or put forth an opinion or our view about something done by another. Remember that modal is used in terms of the subject’s views. We understand modals better and are able to crack them better once we practice it continuously.

The two types could be classified as Pure Modals and Semimodals, let us see with examples;
- Pure modals: do not change with tense or subject and followed by infinitives without ‘to’.
Eg: I must talk to Derina; She must talk to Jacob; It must be important; (‘must’ here does not change with subject so it is a pure modal)
- Semi Modals: they can change according to the subject it follows and tense it is considered in. It can be used to imply advice, obligations, possibility, etc.
Eg: I need to speak to Ron immediately. He needs to get back to me with the report. (‘need’ changes with subject so it is a semi modal.