Question

Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb from the choices given.
He __________ be very rich those days.

• A. Used to
• B. Was
• C. Did
• D. Can

Answer 1

The correct option is A Used to

The word, 'those days' in the sentence indicated that the verb is in past tense.

Option A: The auxiliary used (to) expresses a discontinued habit/ action. The phrase, 'used to + verb' indicates the verb in past tense. The phrase, 'Used to be' means the same as 'was'. Hence, this auxiliary is appropriate to denote the action of ''being rich' in the past (indicated by 'those days'). Option A is correct.

Option B: The word, 'was' is the past tense form of the verb, 'be'. It cannot be used along with the word, 'be' once again in the same sentence. The phrase, 'was be' is grammatically incorrect. Hence, option B s incorrect.

Option C: The auxiliary, 'did' is the past tense form of 'do' and is used for emphasising the verb which follows. However, 'did' cannot be used be used to emphasis the verb 'be'. The phrase, 'did be' is grammatically incorrect. Hence, option C is incorrect.

Option D: The auxiliary, 'can' expresses ability or capability or permission. The phrase, 'can + verb' indicates a permission given to do an action (indicated by the the verb) in future. It cannot be used to express a verb in past tense. Hence, option D is incorrect.