Fill in the blanks with the correct modal You _____ not come early. I…

The correct answer is Option (3) → need/may

You need not come early. I mean you may start to work at 11 o' clock.

First Blank:

"need "

• This modal is used to express absence of necessity.

• Meaning: It is not required or necessary to come early.

Example:

• You need not worry — everything is under control.

Second Blank:

"may"

• This modal is used to give permission.

• Meaning: You are allowed to start at 11 o’clock.

Example:

• You may leave early today.

• • Option 1: ought to / should

    • "Ought to not" is grammatically awkward.

    • "Should" gives advice, not permission.

  • Option 2: must / can

    • "Must not" implies prohibition, not lack of necessity.

    • "Can" refers to ability, not permission in formal contexts.

  • Option 4: can / could

    • "Can not" is incorrect for expressing lack of obligation.

    • "Could" is the past tense of "can" or a polite suggestion—not suitable here.

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