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Modal Auxiliaries and Expressing Modality

55 questions

All types55Multiple choice29Fill in the blank26
Question 1Question →

Reviewing the tactical operation, the lead investigator noted that the convoy commanders _______ through the demilitarized zone without clearance, given that standing orders explicitly forbade any nocturnal movement. Which of the following modal verb phrases correctly completes the sentence to express a past breach of obligation or advisability while adhering to standard grammatical rules?

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Answer: should not have proceeded

Answer

The phrase 'should not have proceeded' correctly completes the sentence by expressing a past action that took place despite being inadvisable or against obligation, while following proper modal verb syntax.
The verb phrase 'should not have proceeded' is grammatically sound and expresses past inadvisability or breach of obligation. The modal verb 'should' takes a bare infinitive ('have proceeded') to form the perfect aspect, indicating that an action took place in the past when it ought not to have.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence.
The sentence describes an action taken in the past (moving through the zone) that violated standing orders, requiring a modal structure for past unfulfilled obligation or advisability.
Modal auxiliaries express different nuances of modality such as necessity, permission, obligation, or logical deduction depending on context and tense structure.
2
Evaluate the syntactic rules governing modal and semi-modal auxiliaries.
Pure modal verbs ('should', 'must', 'might') must be followed by a bare infinitive (e.g., 'have proceeded'), whereas 'ought' requires the full infinitive marker 'to'. Double modals (e.g., 'might could') are grammatically invalid in standard English.
Modal verb complementation rules strictly dictate whether a bare infinitive, a 'to'-infinitive, or a perfective auxiliary follows.
3
Select the option that satisfies both semantic intent and structural accuracy.
'should not have proceeded' correctly uses 'should not' + perfective infinitive ('have proceeded') without ungrammatical particles or double modal constructions.
This form accurately conveys that the action occurred in the past despite prohibition/inadvisability.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries and Expressing Modality
Question 2Question →

Given that the lead researcher was stranded at the airport without internet access throughout the evening, she __________ the confidential report yesterday as claimed. Which of the following modal expressions correctly completes the sentence to express logical impossibility regarding a past event?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: could not have submitted

Answer

The expression 'could not have submitted' is the correct modal construction to express logical impossibility regarding a past action.
The modal phrase 'could not have submitted' correctly pairs the negative modal auxiliary 'could not' with the perfective helper 'have' and the past participle 'submitted'. This structure standardly conveys a logical deduction that a past event was impossible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the temporal context and the speaker's intent.
The context describes a completed past situation ('yesterday', 'was stranded') where an action was factually impossible.
Modal auxiliaries expressing past logical deduction or negative certainty require past modal structures (modal + have + past participle).
2
Determine the appropriate modal auxiliary for past logical impossibility.
'Could not have' + past participle is used to deduce that a past action was impossible given the circumstances.
Expressing that something definitely did not happen due to surrounding evidence requires negative past epistemic modality.
3
Evaluate the choices for grammatical validity.
'Could not have submitted' is syntactically sound, while other options contain double modals, tense mismatch, or improper verb inflections.
English syntax forbids double central modals ('might can') and requires correct aspectual forms after modal markers.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries for Past Logical Deduction and Impossibility
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 3Question →

Considering that the doors were locked from the inside and all security alarms were active until morning, the nocturnal intruder ________ inside the building before the staff departed for the evening. Which option correctly completes the sentence to express a strong past logical deduction?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: must have hidden

Answer

The correct option is 'must have hidden', which appropriately expresses a logical deduction about a past event using 'must + have + past participle'.
The phrase 'must have hidden' correctly conveys a past logical deduction drawn from clear surrounding evidence. In English grammar, past logical conclusions are constructed using 'must' followed by the perfect infinitive ('have' + past participle).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence
The sentence presents physical evidence (locked doors, active alarms) pointing to a logical conclusion about a past event.
Determining whether the context demands past obligation, permission, capability, or past logical deduction guides modal selection.
2
Identify the required modal auxiliary structure for past deduction
A past logical certainty requires the auxiliary pattern 'must + have + past participle'.
Pure modals cannot take past tense inflections directly and require the perfect auxiliary 'have' to refer to past time.
3
Evaluate the choices for grammatical correctness and modal syntax
'must have hidden' follows standard modal syntax, while double modals ('might can') and non-standard inflections ('must to', 'oughted to') are ungrammatical.
Modal auxiliaries in English do not take infinitive 'to' markers, cannot be stacked consecutively, and do not accept inflectional suffixes.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries for Past Logical Deduction
Question 4Question →

Select the option that best completes the sentence:

Considering the tight deadline, the project team __________ submitted the proposal yesterday, but technical difficulties delayed their final upload.

Which of the following modal verb structures correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ought to have

Answer

The correct option is 'ought to have'.
The phrase 'ought to have' correctly expresses an action that was expected to happen in the past. The semi-modal verb 'ought' requires the preposition 'to', followed by the base auxiliary 'have' and the past participle 'submitted'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and temporal frame
The clause mentions an action scheduled for the past ('yesterday') that was expected but hindered by technical difficulties.
Past unfulfilled expectations or obligations require a perfect modal verb structure (modal + have + past participle).
2
Evaluate candidate modal structures for grammatical correctness
'Ought to have' follows standard grammar rules for semi-modal past obligations. Options featuring double modals, redundant 'to' particles after pure modals, or past-tense auxiliary forms like 'had' violate core modal syntax rules.
Pure modals take bare infinitives and cannot be combined or followed directly by past tense forms.

Key Concept

Past Modality and Modal Inflection Rules
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 5Question →

During a post-flood facility audit, the safety consultant remarked, 'The maintenance crew ought to have inspected the main drainage pipes before the storm.' Which of the following best interprets the consultant's statement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The maintenance crew had an obligation to inspect the drainage pipes, but they failed to do so.

Answer

The statement means that the maintenance crew had an obligation to inspect the drainage pipes, but they failed to do so.
The modal phrase 'ought to have inspected' expresses a past obligation or recommended action that was not carried out. Therefore, the statement implies that inspecting the pipes was the crew's responsibility, but they neglected to do it before the storm.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the modal verb structure in the given statement.
The auxiliary verb phrase used is 'ought to have inspected'.
Identifying the structure 'modal auxiliary + have + past participle' is essential for determining tense and aspect.
2
Determine the semantic function of 'ought to have + past participle'.
This structure conveys past advisability or obligation that was neglected or left unfulfilled.
'Ought to' expresses duty/advisability, and combining it with the perfect aspect ('have inspected') places that duty in the past while signaling non-performance.
3
Evaluate the options against this semantic function.
The interpretation stating that the crew had an obligation but failed to fulfill it accurately reflects the unfulfilled past obligation.
Only one option correctly captures both the element of duty and the fact that the action was not carried out.

Key Concept

Unfulfilled Past Modality with 'Ought to have'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 6Question →

Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal auxiliary verb that correctly expresses formal permission in the given context.

Fill in the blanks below

Candidates who have completed their biometric verification enter the examination hall.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The modal auxiliary verb 'may' (or 'can') correctly completes the sentence to express permission.
The modal verb 'may' is standard in formal contexts to express that someone is allowed or permitted to take an action once requirements are met.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and communicative function of the sentence.
The statement grants candidates authorization/permission to enter after fulfilling a prerequisite.
The clause 'who have completed their biometric verification' sets the condition under which entry is permitted.
2
Identify the modal verb that expresses granting permission.
'May' is the formal modal verb used to express or grant permission in English grammar.
In formal administrative directives and examination instructions, 'may' standardly signifies permission.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries for Expressing Permission
Estimated Time:45s
Question 7Question →

While assessing the damaged eighteenth-century manuscript, the chief archivist remarked that the conservation team __________ controlled the humidity levels in the vault to prevent deterioration. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence to express an unfulfilled past obligation?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ought to have

Answer

The phrase 'ought to have' correctly completes the sentence to express a past duty or obligation that was not fulfilled.
The option 'ought to have' is correct because the semi-modal verb structure 'ought to have + past participle' expresses a past obligation or expected duty that was not carried out.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the intended communicative function in the context
The context describes a past action (controlling vault humidity) that was required but neglected, leading to manuscript damage.
Recognizing the functional requirement narrows down the appropriate grammatical structure needed to express an unfulfilled past obligation.
2
Analyze the structural rules for past modal obligation
An unfulfilled past obligation is expressed using 'should have' or 'ought to have' + past participle.
The semi-modal 'ought' requires the to-infinitive construction ('ought to have + past participle').
3
Evaluate the choices for morphological and syntactic correctness
'Ought to have' is grammatically sound, whereas inflecting 'ought' as 'oughted', adding 'to' after 'must', or combining 'might can' violate modal verb syntax.
Modal verbs do not take tense inflections or combine with other modals in Standard English.

Key Concept

Expressing Unfulfilled Past Obligation using Modal Auxiliaries
Question 8Question →

Before the trans-Atlantic flight was cleared for takeoff, the flight crew discovered an uncalibrated altitude sensor, realizing that the instrument __________ checked during the pre-flight inspection.

Which of the following modal verb phrases correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ought to have been

Answer

The phrase 'ought to have been' correctly completes the sentence to express a past duty or unfulfilled obligation.
The correct phrase 'ought to have been' properly uses the semi-modal auxiliary 'ought to' followed by the perfect passive auxiliary 'have been' and the past participle 'checked'. This structure correctly conveys that an action was obligatory in the past but was not performed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the intended modality and temporal context of the sentence.
The context refers to a past action (pre-flight inspection) that was neglected or required, indicating a past unfulfilled obligation.
Understanding temporal reference and context determines whether a simple present modal or perfect modal structure is required.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure required for past obligation in the passive voice.
The semi-modal 'ought to' combined with 'have been' + past participle ('checked') forms 'ought to have been checked'.
Modal auxiliaries express past unfulfilled duty or obligation using the perfect infinitive ('have + past participle').
3
Eliminate options violating modal auxiliary inflection and combination rules.
Phrases with double modals ('might can'), direct infinitive markers on pure modals ('must to'), or pseudo-inflections ('oughted') are rejected.
Modal verbs in English cannot be stacked together, inflected with tense suffixes, or followed by 'to' (except semi-modals like 'ought to' and 'used to').

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries and Expressing Past Obligation
Question 9Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the clear instructions that all candidates their verified credentials before the interview panel convened, several applicants arrived without any supporting documents.
Show answer & explanation

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)
Question 10Question →

Complete the sentence by supplying the correct past modal verb phrase to express logical impossibility in the past.

Fill in the blanks below

Since the vault's biometric scanner records every entry timestamped to the millisecond and registered zero activity after midnight, the intruder access through the main security door during the blackout.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

could not have gained (or couldn't have gained / cannot have gained)
The correct answer 'could not have gained' uses the modal structure 'could not + have + past participle' to express a deduction of complete impossibility regarding a past event, which directly aligns with the contextual proof that no biometric entry was logged.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the temporal frame and evidence provided in the sentence context.
The event occurred in the past ('registered zero activity after midnight'), establishing a past timeframe.
Modal auxiliaries must agree with the past temporal reference of the main clause.
2
Determine the specific modal function required by the context.
The premises (biometric scanner records and zero activity after midnight) provide conclusive proof that an entry was impossible.
Expressing strong logical deduction of impossibility in the past requires the structure 'could not / cannot + have + past participle'.
3
Formulate the correct modal auxiliary phrase using the verb 'gain'.
'could not have gained' perfectly matches both the past time reference and the negative deduction meaning.
'Must not have gained' expresses past negative conclusion about probability rather than logical impossibility driven by objective constraints, whereas 'could not have gained' strictly denotes impossibility.

Key Concept

Expressing logical impossibility in the past using perfect modal auxiliaries
Question 11Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The senior ecologist noted that the field research team the perimeter fencing around the endangered nesting zone before the rainy season began, but their unexpected delay resulted in severe habitat destruction.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

should have reinforced (or ought to have reinforced / should have secured / ought to have secured)
The sentence requires a modal construction expressing past unfulfilled duty or criticism of an omitted past action. The structure 'should have reinforced' (or 'ought to have reinforced') properly expresses that the team was obliged to complete the action before the rains, but failed to do so.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the necessary modal aspect.
The clause 'but their unexpected delay resulted in severe habitat destruction' indicates an action that was mandatory or advisable in the past, but was not carried out.
The narrative context establishes a past unfulfilled obligation or a past duty that was neglected.
2
Select the correct grammatical modal verb structure for past unfulfilled obligation.
The structure 'should have + past participle' or 'ought to have + past participle' correctly conveys a past action that ought to have happened but did not.
In standard English grammar, modal perfection ('modal + have + past participle') expresses past modality, specifically regret, criticism, or unfulfilled obligation.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries for Past Unfulfilled Obligation
Question 12Question →

Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate modal verb: 'After working continuous night shifts for a week, the doctor _____ take a complete rest.' Which of the following modal auxiliaries correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: must

Answer

The correct option is 'must'.
The word 'must' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express strong necessity or advice. It is correctly followed by the bare infinitive verb 'take' without an intervening 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the required grammatical function in the sentence context.
The sentence requires a modal auxiliary to express strong necessity or recommendation.
The doctor's fatigue after working continuous night shifts necessitates rest.
2
Apply the rule governing modal auxiliary verbs and main verb complements.
Standard modal auxiliaries (must, should, can, might) take a bare infinitive without 'to'. Furthermore, double modals cannot be stacked.
Modal verbs directly precede the base form of the main verb.
3
Select the grammatically correct modal verb.
The form 'must' correctly pairs with the base verb 'take'.
'Must' is grammatically accurate and fits the context of obligation/necessity.

Key Concept

Modal auxiliaries are followed directly by the bare infinitive form of a main verb (without 'to') and cannot be combined with other modal auxiliaries.
Question 13Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct modal auxiliary verb that expresses strong obligation.

Fill in the blanks below

All candidates present their original identification cards before entering the examination hall, as failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

must
The modal auxiliary verb 'must' is required because the sentence conveys a mandatory rule where compliance is compulsory.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended modality.
The phrase 'failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification' indicates a strict requirement or compulsory duty.
Contextual clues in official rules dictate whether a modal verb should convey permission, obligation, possibility, or ability.
2
Select the modal auxiliary verb that denotes mandatory requirement.
The modal verb 'must' expresses strong, inescapable obligation mandated by an authority or rule.
'Must' is the correct modal verb used to express absolute necessity and requirement.

Key Concept

Modal auxiliaries expressing strong obligation and necessity
Question 14Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the most appropriate modal verb phrase that correctly expresses an unnecessary past action.

Fill in the blanks below

Since attendance at the optional workshop was not mandatory, the delegates registered in advance, yet many spent hours doing so.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

need not have
The modal auxiliary perfect construction 'need not have' followed by the past participle 'registered' correctly conveys that the delegates performed an action that was completely unnecessary given the non-mandatory nature of the event.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an action ('registered in advance') that occurred even though there was no requirement or obligation ('attendance... was not mandatory').
Identifying the temporal context (past) and communicative intent (absence of obligation for an action that took place) is essential to choosing the correct modal form.
2
Select the modal auxiliary form for past lack of necessity
The structure 'need not have + past participle' specifically denotes that an action was performed in the past despite being unnecessary.
Using 'must not have' would denote negative past deduction, while 'should not have' would denote past criticism, neither of which matches the non-mandatory contextual clue.

Key Concept

Expressing absence of necessity in the past using modal auxiliaries (need not have + past participle)
Question 15Question →

Complete the following sentence by providing the appropriate modal auxiliary phrase that expresses an action that was performed even though it was unnecessary.

Fill in the blanks below

Since the manager had already broadcast the meeting notes electronically, the assistant printed physical copies for everyone.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

need not have / needn't have
The modal structure 'need not have' (or 'needn't have') followed by the past participle 'printed' correctly indicates that an action was performed despite being unnecessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pragmatic meaning of the sentence context.
The action of printing copies took place, but prior electronic delivery made it unnecessary.
The sentence describes an action completed in the past that turned out to be redundant.
2
Select the modal auxiliary form that conveys unneeded past action.
The correct form is 'need not have' (or contracted 'needn't have') + past participle ('printed').
'Need not have' specifically indicates that a past action was executed unnecessarily, contrasting with 'did not need to' which implies the action was not necessarily performed.

Key Concept

Past Modality: Expressing Unnecessary Past Actions (Need not have + Past Participle)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

Which modal auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence below?

"To ensure compliance with safety regulations, all factory visitors _______ wear protective helmets at all times."

Show answer & explanation

Answer: must

Answer

The modal auxiliary 'must' correctly completes the sentence by expressing obligation followed by a bare infinitive.
The modal auxiliary 'must' is used to express strong obligation or necessity and takes a bare infinitive verb ('wear') without 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the required meaning in the sentence context.
The sentence expresses an official rule and necessity regarding visitor safety.
Safety regulations mandate compulsory compliance.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure following modal auxiliaries.
Standard modal verbs (must, should, can, may) are followed directly by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive) without 'to'.
Pure modal auxiliaries do not take to-infinitive complements.
3
Select the option that provides both the correct modal meaning and valid syntax.
'must' correctly fits the context and follows standard modal syntax.
It expresses obligation without inserting an ungrammatical 'to' particle.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries and Bare Infinitives
Question 17Question →

Read the scenario below:

'The main vault gates remained fully sealed without any physical sign of forced entry, yet the confidential documents inside had vanished. Investigators concluded that the culprit __________ possessed the administrative clearance code to open the digital lock.'

Which of the following modal auxiliary phrases correctly completes the sentence to express a past logical deduction based on available evidence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: must have

Answer

The phrase 'must have' is the correct choice because it appropriately expresses past logical certainty based on circumstantial evidence.
The phrase 'must have' is correct because 'must' + perfect infinitive ('have possessed') indicates a past deduction derived from strong logical evidence presented in the context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic meaning required by the sentence context.
The sentence presents strong circumstantial evidence ('vault gates remained fully sealed', 'documents vanished') requiring a expression of high certainty/logical deduction regarding a past event.
Modal auxiliaries express different attitudes like deduction, obligation, permission, or ability depending on context.
2
Select the correct structure for past logical deduction.
The modal auxiliary 'must' paired with the auxiliary 'have' and a past participle ('must have possessed') forms the past deduction structure.
'Must + have + past participle' is the standard grammatical structure for past logical conclusions.
3
Eliminate ungrammatical auxiliary structures.
Discard forms containing double modals ('might can'), incorrect infinitive markers ('must to'), or invalid verb inflections ('oughted').
Modal verbs do not inflect with tense suffixes and cannot be stacked directly alongside other modal verbs.

Key Concept

Expressing past logical deduction using modal auxiliaries
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 18Question →

Read the sentence below and answer the question that follows:

'Given that all entry logs were automatically backed up to a remote server in real time, the suspect ________ modified the transaction details without leaving a detectable digital footprint.'

Which modal auxiliary verb phrase correctly completes the sentence to express past logical impossibility?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: could not have

Answer

The correct phrase is 'could not have' because it accurately expresses a logical deduction of past impossibility given the contextual evidence.
The modal structure 'could not have' correctly conveys a negative logical deduction regarding past events when evidence indicates the action was impossible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence establishes that automated real-time backups were present, making untraceable modification logically impossible.
Establishing the logical constraint dictates the specific semantic function required of the modal verb.
2
Select the modal structure for past impossibility
The structure 'could not have + past participle' expresses that an action was impossible in the past.
Modal auxiliaries combined with perfective aspect ('have + past participle') express past deductions.
3
Evaluate the grammatical correctness of distractors
Structures featuring double modals ('might not could have'), incorrect infinitive particles ('must not to have'), or improper past inflections ('should not had') violate modal syntax rules.
Modal auxiliaries must precede bare infinitives and cannot stack directly with other modal verbs.

Key Concept

Expressing past logical impossibility using modal auxiliaries (could not have + past participle)
Question 19Question →

Select the option that best completes the sentence below:

'Having observed that the official security seal remained completely unbroken prior to the inspection, the lead auditor concluded that the consignment __________ tampered with during transit.'

Show answer & explanation

Answer: could not have been

Answer

The correct option is 'could not have been', which properly expresses a logical deduction of impossibility in the past based on available evidence.
The phrase 'could not have been' accurately expresses logical past impossibility. The contextual fact that the security seal was completely unbroken provides factual ground to logically deduce that tampering was impossible during transit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clue provided in the sentence.
The clause 'the official security seal remained completely unbroken' provides definitive evidence regarding the state of the consignment.
Modal selection depends on the speaker's degree of certainty or logical deduction derived from surrounding context.
2
Determine the appropriate modal meaning and tense required.
The sentence requires a modal auxiliary structure that expresses logical deduction of impossibility in the past.
The event (transit) occurred in the past, and the unbroken seal logically rules out the possibility of tampering.
3
Evaluate grammatical compliance of modal auxiliary structures.
'Could not have been' correctly pairs the modal 'could' with the negative particle 'not' and the perfect passive auxiliary 'have been' followed by the past participle 'tampered'.
Modal verbs must be followed by a bare infinitive ('have'), and perfect passive constructions require 'been + past participle'.

Key Concept

Logical deduction of past impossibility using modal perfect passive structures ('could not have been + past participle').
Question 20Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blank with the appropriate modal auxiliary verb that expresses formal permission.

Fill in the blanks below

Candidates leave the hall only after handing in their answer scripts to the invigilator.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

may
In formal written English, 'may' is the primary modal auxiliary verb used to express or grant permission.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and communicative function of the sentence.
The sentence sets out an official examination rule regarding granting permission to leave.
Identifying the communicative intent (permission, necessity, deduction, capability) determines the appropriate modal verb.
2
Select the modal auxiliary that denotes formal permission.
'May' is the standard modal verb for expressing formal permission in official contexts.
'May' explicitly conveys permission granted by an authority.

Key Concept

Modal Auxiliaries for Expressing Permission
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