Question

Punctuality is a habit which ___________ cultivated by every cultured person.
A) Need not be
B) Need be
C) Must be
D) Must not be

Answer 1

Hint: In the above question we have to choose from the given options, an option that fills the blank in a manner such that the sentence is grammatically correct.
Meanings of the difficult words:
- Punctuality means the quality of abiding by the set time and fulfilling the given tasks before or by a set deadline.
- Cultivate means to grow/evolve/ develop.
- Cultured means brought up under the influence of a set belief system of the society.

Complete answer:
Let us first try to understand the difference between the use of must and need:
Both the words relate to an obligation i.e. how things should be or what must be done. However, there are some differences-
i) Must is followed by a verb whereas the need is not.
ii) ‘Need’ has a more polite and informal tone to it whereas, ‘must’ has more of a formal and strict tone.
iii) ‘Need’ is used to express ‘something which is necessary in order to accomplish something else’ whereas must is used to express ‘it is necessary that certain things should happen’

Since a verb is placed right after the blank, therefore, the blank will be filled with an option that has ‘must’ and since punctuality is a good habit, therefore, a positive phrase should be used to complete the sentence.

The correct answer is option C, must be. Punctuality is a habit which must be cultivated by every cultured person.

Note: Both need and must are modal verbs that show obligation. Modal verbs are the verbs that show the likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or advice. Need is a semi-modal verb i.e. it can function both as a main verb as well as a modal verb.