Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardModal Auxiliaries and Expressing Modality

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the most appropriate modal verb phrase to express past unfulfilled obligation.

Answer:Despite the clear instructions that all candidates 【should have submitted】 their verified credentials before the interview panel convened, several applicants arrived without any supporting documents.

Answer

The phrase that correctly completes the sentence is 'should have submitted' (or 'ought to have submitted').
The sentence requires expressing an action that was obligatory or expected in the past before another past event occurred. The perfect modal construction 'should have submitted' (or 'ought to have submitted') correctly conveys this past unfulfilled obligation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and temporal frame.
The clause describes an expectation or duty in the past prior to another past action ('before the interview panel convened').
Determining the temporal sequence is essential for choosing the correct modal aspect.
2
Identify the required modal meaning.
The sentence conveys an unfulfilled past obligation or expected action.
The contrast marked by 'Despite' shows that the expected action was required but neglected by several applicants.
3
Formulate the correct past modal structure.
Use 'should have' or 'ought to have' followed by the past participle verb 'submitted'.
Modal verbs of obligation require a perfect infinitive ('have + past participle') to refer back to a completed past period.

Key Concept

Past Obligation and Unfulfilled Expectations (Modal + Perfect Infinitive)
Rate this question

Topics

Modal Auxiliaries and Expressing Modality

More questions from this topic