Select the most appropriate modal to complete the sentence:
Last year, Mohan saved his pocket money every week so that he ______ buy a new cricket bat before the summer camp.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → could
Complete sentence: Last year, Mohan saved his pocket money every week so that he could buy a new cricket bat before the summer camp. “Last year” and “saved” show the past.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) could (answer) | so that + a modal shows the purpose of an action; could is used when the main verb is in the past | Papa left early so that he could catch the first train to Pune. |
| (2) can | the present form; it follows “so that” when the main verb is in the present | I am saving money so that I can buy a phone. |
| (3) must | necessity or duty | Drivers must keep their licence with them. |
| (4) will | the future from now | The train will reach Agra at noon. |