Question

Fill in the blank with the correct auxiliary verb from the choices given.
Mona Lisa __________ painted by Leonardo da Vinci.

• A. Has
• B. Was
• C. Will
• D. Could

Answer 1

The correct option is B Was

The verb, 'painted' used in the sentence indicates that it is in simple past tense. The auxiliary, 'was' is used when a sentence is in simple past tense. Hence, option B is correct.

Option A: The auxiliary, 'has' is used to form the present perfect tense. The present perfect tense denotes an action which began at some time in the past and is still continuing. However, we know that the said painting 'Mona Lisa' was completed a long time back. Hence, the sentence is not in present perfect tense. Sometimes, the auxiliary 'has' is used along with the phrase, 'to+verb' to express an obligation. Eg: 'He has to listen to me'. There is no obligation being expressed in the given sentence. Hence, option A is incorrect.

Option C: The modal, 'will' is used along with a verb to denote an action in the future tense. Eg: 'I will go the temple tomorrow'. However, the given sentence is in simple past tense. Hence, option C is incorrect.

Option D: The modal, 'could' is used to express ability or capacity in the past. Eg: 'When she was five years old, she could solve fifteen math problems within half an hour'. It is also used to speak about an ability which is not expressed. Eg: 'He could do the same feat, if he was not chained up'. It is also used to seek/ express permission. Eg: 'Could I borrow your pen for some time?' The given sentence does not express an ability/capacity or seek/ express permission. Hence, option D is incorrect.