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

The correct option is B May

Modal verbs help determine the mood of a sentence, to indicate obligation, permission, possibility and so on. The given sentence mentions a "morcha", which would be the reason for a possible roadblock. 'May' indicates a possibility, hence it's the most suitable option. 'May' and 'can' both indicate possibility, but 'may' expresses a factual possibility whereas 'can' expresses theoretical possibility (factual possibility is based on factual information, like the morcha, and theoretical possibility is based on supposition or guesswork without any fact). Hence, option B is correct and A is incorrect. 'Could' and 'might' are both used as the past tense of 'can' and 'may', respectively, in indirect speech. Since the sentence is in direct speech, these options are not suitable; 'can' and 'could' both indicate theoretical possibility in this context and 'might' would be used in the indirect speech this way 'he said that due to the procession today the roads might be blocked'. Hence they're unsuitable and options C and D are incorrect.