Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:-

The manager asked if they _____ complete the report by the end of the week.

could

The correct answer is Option (2) : Could 

The sentence is an example of an indirect question (or reported speech) used to ask about ability or possibility.

• Original Question (Direct Speech): "Can you complete the report by the end of the week?" (Asking about ability)

• Reported Speech (Indirect Question): When reporting a question that uses the modal verb can, the verb in the reported clause is generally changed to the past tense form, could.

The choice of could correctly maintains the tense and conveys the meaning of asking about the ability or possibility of completing the task by the deadline.

Will / Would → used to ask about intention, willingness, or likelihood
Examples:
• Will you help me? (intention)
• Would you like some tea? (willingness)

Shall / Should → used to ask about obligation, suggestion, or advice
Examples:
• Shall we begin? (suggestion)
• Should I call the doctor? (advice)

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