Question

Identify the modal verb in the sentence:
Could you please pass the salt?
A) Could
B) You
C) Pass
D) Salt

Answer 1

Hint: A modal verb is a type of verb and they are also known as the auxiliary verbs or the helping verbs. Modal verbs always work with a main verb and they do not work alone. For example: will and would; must; shall and should and etc.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Could – is the correct answer because ‘could’ is a modal verb and it is used to express possibility or to make suggestions or requests. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option B) You – is an incorrect answer because ‘you’ is not a modal verb but ‘you’ is usually used for a second person pronoun. For example: you should drink water regularly. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Pass – is an incorrect answer because ‘pass’ is not a modal verb. The meaning of pass is ‘proceed or progress or cause to move in a specified direction. Thus, as per the question this option is not a modal verb and therefore, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Salt – is an incorrect answer because ‘salt’ is not a modal verb. Salt is basically an edible thing usually put in food for good taste. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Modal verbs determine the mood of the sentence, like obligation, permission, possibility, necessity and so on. In the given sentence, "could" is used to indicate a polite request made by the speaker, if the listener could pass the salt.