Question

Fill the blank with an appropriate modal:
What cannot be cured _____ be endured.
A) need
B) dare
C) must
D) should

Answer 1

Hint: The question asks us to fill in the blank with a modal verb. Therefore it is necessary to know what modal verbs are. A modal verb is a verb that expresses modality, such as probability, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or counsel. Modal verbs are always found with the base (infinitive) form of another semantic verb. The modal verbs can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, and must are often employed in English.

Complete answer:
The given proverb in the question says: If you can't do anything about a situation, you'll have to live with it. Let us look at the given options.
 A)need: The modal 'need' denotes an obligation or a requirement. In the form 'need not be,' it is most commonly employed in negative or interrogative statements. As a result, this word is inappropriate in this context. Thus, option A is incorrect.
 B)dare: The word 'dare' means' to be challenged to accomplish something. ' Proverbs are not threats, and they have nothing to do with the given sentence. Thus, option B is incorrect.
C)must: The word ‘must' refers to duty or requirement to accomplish something. It is a more powerful term than 'should.' It is used to inform someone of what he must do. It's not a suggestion, but a need. 'If one can not fix an issue, one must live with it,' says the proverb. As a result, the modal 'must' is more appropriate. Thus, option C is correct.
D)should: The past tense of shall is' should. ' It's a phrase that means "advice" or "suggestions," and it's used to tell someone what to do. “Should” does not indicate the obligation of the given proverb. Thus, option D is incorrect.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘C’ i.e, What cannot be cured must be endured.

Note: Modal verbs are distinct from regular verbs in three ways.
- They do not require the addition of an ‘s' when used in the third person singular (he, she).
- By reversing the sentence structure, they can be utilised to generate questions.
- They can be followed by a verb without the usage of the word "to."