Identify the Modal in the following sentence :-
They needn't always make a complaint.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → needn't
Needn't (need not) shows absence of necessity and is followed by the base form "make": "They needn't always make a complaint" = it is not necessary for them to complain every time.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) always | "Always" is an adverb of frequency. It tells how often. | – |
| (2) they | "They" is a pronoun, the subject of the sentence. | – |
| (3) complaint | "Complaint" is a noun, the object of "make". | – |
| (4) needn't (answer) | Modals are helping verbs that show ability, permission, possibility, necessity or duty: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, must, ought to, need, dare. A modal is followed by the base form of the main verb. | You needn't wait for me. I will come on my own. |