Choose the correct option to fill in the blank:
Last night, the station master assured us that the delayed train ______ reach Itarsi by eleven, but it pulled in only at dawn.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → would
Complete sentence: Last night, the station master assured us that the delayed train would reach Itarsi by eleven, but it pulled in only at dawn. The reporting verb “assured” is in the past. The arrival time is also over, since the train came only at dawn.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) would (answer) | the past form of will in reported speech, after a reporting verb in the past | Mama said that she would bring sweets from Agra. |
| (2) will | a future time seen from now; after a past reporting verb, it changes to “would” | The coach says that the team will leave for Nagpur tomorrow. |
| (3) shall | offers and suggestions, mainly with I and we | Shall we start the revision after lunch? |
| (4) can | ability in the present; after a past reporting verb, it changes to “could” | My brother can repair a bicycle puncture in ten minutes. |