Question

You ask me what you _____ take.
A) Can
B) Should
C) Will
D) Shall

Answer 1

Hint: The words given in the options are auxiliary verbs. These are verbs that help the main verb and these verbs are followed immediately by the main verb. For e.g. I should leave now. In this example, ‘should’ is the auxiliary or helping verb, while ‘leave’ is the main verb.

Complete answer:
The blank is followed by a verb in the present tense. This blank can only be filled with an adverb or an auxiliary verb. The options provided are auxiliary verbs. To be more specific these are modal verbs, which are used for either a possibility in the future or a hypothetical situation. Let us compare the options accordingly.
Option A) Can – The word ‘can’ is used to indicate the ability, eligibility, capability etc. of a person. We can fill the blank with this option if the ‘second person’ wants to know what he/she can take. In this case, we will be informing the ‘second person’. This option is correct.
Option B) Should – The word ‘should’ is used when we give some advice or recommendation to someone. Thus, we can also fill the blank with this option. It would only change the meaning from the first option. It would mean that the ‘second person’ is asking us for a suggestion on what he/she should take. This option is also correct.
Option C) Will – ‘Will’ is used to indicating something that has to be done in the future. If we use this word to fill the blank, it would mean that the ‘second person’ is asking me what he/she will take in the future. This option does not feel as appropriate as the first two options. Thus, it is incorrect.
Option D) Shall – This word, ‘shall’ is used for ideas, or when a person wants to convey something that will happen in future. It is often used in formal writings to express future tenses. This option is also not suitable to fill the blank. Hence, it is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) Can and (B) Should.
You ask what you can take. (When permission is required)
You ask what you should take. (When a suggestion is required)

Note: A subcategory under auxiliary verbs are modal verbs. These are verbs that express possibility, necessity or wishes. They also indicate modalities such as likelihood, capability, permission, suggestion, obligation etc. There are a limited number of such verbs. They are; will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might and must.