Fill in the blank with an appropriate Modal from the options:
"One ______ abide by the laws."
Must
Understanding Modal Verbs and Obligation
The question asks us to select the most appropriate modal verb to complete the sentence, "One ______ abide by the laws." This sentence discusses the requirement or necessity for individuals to follow legal regulations. We need a modal verb that expresses this strong sense of obligation.
Analyzing the Modal Verb Options
Let's look at the meanings of the given modal verbs:
- Must: This modal verb is used to express a strong obligation, necessity, or a command. It indicates something that is essential or required.
- Should: This modal verb is used to give advice, make a recommendation, or express a moral obligation. It suggests something is desirable or right, but is generally less forceful than 'must'.
- May: This modal verb is used to express permission or possibility. It indicates something is allowed or might happen.
- Could: This modal verb is used to express possibility, past ability, or make polite requests.
Determining the Correct Modal Verb
The sentence "One ______ abide by the laws" is about the legal requirement to follow laws. This is not just a recommendation or a possibility; it is a mandatory action. Therefore, the modal verb that expresses strong obligation or necessity is required.
- Saying "One should abide by the laws" suggests it's a good idea or a moral duty, but not necessarily a strict requirement.
- Saying "One may abide by the laws" suggests it's an option or possibility, which is incorrect regarding legal compliance.
- Saying "One could abide by the laws" suggests possibility or past ability, neither of which fits the context of a general rule about following laws.
- Saying "One must abide by the laws" correctly conveys the strong obligation and necessity of following legal statutes.
Thus, 'Must' is the most appropriate modal verb in this context.
Explanation of the Answer
The sentence "One must abide by the laws" means that it is absolutely necessary and required for everyone to follow the laws. The modal verb 'must' is used here to indicate a strong, often unavoidable, obligation or rule. Laws are not optional; they are rules that everyone is required to obey. Hence, 'must' perfectly captures this mandatory nature.
| Modal Verb | Meaning Expressed | Fits the Sentence? |
|---|---|---|
| Must | Strong obligation, necessity | Yes (Laws are mandatory) |
| Should | Recommendation, moral obligation | No (Laws are stronger than recommendations) |
| May | Permission, possibility | No (Following laws is not optional) |
| Could | Possibility, past ability | No (Doesn't express current obligation) |
Based on the analysis, the modal verb expressing strong obligation, 'Must', is the correct choice.
Revision Table: Understanding Modals of Obligation
| Modal Verb | Degree of Obligation/Necessity | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must | Strong obligation, essential, required | You must wear a seatbelt in the car. |
| Have to | Obligation (often external rules/laws) | I have to work tomorrow. |
| Should | Recommendation, moral obligation, desirable action | You should eat more vegetables. |
| Ought to | Similar to 'should', often used for moral duty | You ought to help your parents. |
Additional Information: Usage of 'One' and Modals
The pronoun 'One' is used in formal contexts to refer to people in general, or to an unspecified person. When used with modal verbs, it often expresses a general rule, a piece of advice, or a requirement that applies to anyone.
For example:
- One must be careful when crossing the road. (General rule/necessity)
- One should try to be kind to others. (General recommendation/moral duty)
- One can find peace in nature. (General possibility/ability)
In our sentence, "One must abide by the laws," 'One' refers to any person, emphasizing that this obligation applies universally.
Important Questions from Synonyms and Antonyms
Based on your reading of the passage, identify the sentence/sentences which are CORRECT:
(A) Alphonse and Charles had grown up together
(B) Alphonse’s and Charles’s mothers were friends
(C) Alphonse and Charles never dissolved their partnership
(D) Alphonse was fit for being the head of an independent business
(E) Alphonse and Charles went to the same school
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The passage is about:
Identify the correct synonyms of the two words given below: **Waddle, eerie**
Choose the suitable part of speech for the underlined word in the given sentence: "He knows better than you."
From the options below, choose the correct preposition to fill in the blank: "After the party, Sumit returned home ______ car."
