Choose the appropriate Modal to complete the given sentence:
"I am short of money today". _______ you please pay my bills this time?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → could
Complete sentence: "I am short of money today." Could you please pay my bills this time? The speaker is short of money and asks a favour, so "Could you please pay my bills this time?"
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) should | duty or advice. "Should you please pay ...?" is not used to make a request. | You should drink more water. |
| (2) dare | Dare means to be brave enough to do something. "Dare you pay my bills?" would be a challenge, not a request. | How dare you read my diary! |
| (3) could (answer) | Could you ...? is a polite way of asking someone to do something. It is more polite than "Can you ...?". It is often used with please. | Could you please open the window? |
| (4) must | necessity or a strong order. It does not go with "please" in a request for a favour. | You must carry your ID card to the exam. |