Question

Choose the suitable modal verb for this sentence.
Due to the Kranti Morcha, the road ________ be blocked today.
A. Can
B. May
C. Could
D. Might

Answer 1

Hint: A modal verb is an auxiliary verb like must, shall, would, should which is followed by the root form of a verb. They are also called helping verbs. Example: You must visit the statue of liberty.
Example: You shall go with her. We will observe the sentence carefully and place the modal verb accordingly. The sentence suggests the blockage of the road due to a certain reason.

 Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to figure out the correct answer.
A. Can: The modal verb ‘can’ represents a possibility. This possibility is theoretical in nature, which means it depends on guesswork which is without facts. This sentence represents a factual incident, therefore this option is not suitable for the given sentence. Example: I think I can do it. This is not an exact option for the given sentence.
B. May: The modal verb ‘may’ represents a possibility. This possibility is practical in nature, which means it depends on factual information . This sentence represents a factual incident, therefore this option is suitable for the given sentence. Example: I think I can do it. This is an exact option for the given sentence.
C. Could : The modal verb ‘Could’ is used as the past tense of can in indirect speech. The meaning of this remains the same that is to express possibility but which is theoretical in nature. This is not the intended option.
D. Might: The modal verb ‘might’ is used as the past tense of may in indirect speech. The meaning of this remains the same that is to express possibility which is factual in nature.
Therefore, this is not the intended option.

 Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: The given sentence is in direct speech. Therefore, options c and d are eliminated. Though if the sentence was in indirect speech, the answer would be option d and the sentence would be “He said that due to kranti morcha, the road might be blocked today. The final statement after the correct answer is “Due to Kranti Morcha, the road may be blocked today.