Question

Fill in the blank with an appropriate modal auxiliary denoting permission:

You are in a clothes shop. You see some trousers you like and you want to try them on.

You say to the shop assistant: ____________

• A. Could I try on these trousers?
• B. Will I try on these trousers?
• C. Shall I try on these trousers?
• D. Would I try on these trousers?

Answer 1

The correct option is A Could I try on these trousers?

Modal Verbs show us the attitude of the speaker to what is being said or done. The term "modal" means expressing mood and mood is a way to express the attitude of the speaker.

The sentence requires modal verb which expresses an ability to try the trousers on

Therefore Option A is the correct answer as it expresses ability.

Whereas option B expresses certainty in future actions;

option D expresses uncertainty in future actions;

option C expresses the same as option B.