Question

Fill in the blank with an appropriate modal that demonstrates a past possibility.

I _____ be a clerk, but now I am an officer.

• A. used to
• B. must
• C. should
• D. will

Answer 1

The correct option is A used to

Option A is the correct answer because 'used to' is used when we refer to things in the past which are no longer true. It can refer to repeated actions or to a state or situation, as in this case, he was a clerk before but is not anymore.

Option B and C are incorrect because 'must' and 'should' are used to give an advice or to state a compulsory event, which is not correct here because the statement is the past tense.

Option D is incorrect because 'will' is used in the future tense.