Fill in the blank with the correct Modal from the options given below:
You _____ take the train rather than the bus as it will save you an hour.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → ought to
Complete sentence: You ought to take the train rather than the bus as it will save you an hour. The sentence gives a firm reason, "as it will save you an hour", so the speaker is advising the listener to take the train.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) used to | "Used to" describes a past habit that no longer continues. It cannot give advice about a present choice, and it clashes with the future reason "as it will save you an hour". | We used to walk to school when we lived in the village. |
| (2) ought to (answer) | Ought to expresses advice or what is the right and sensible thing to do. It has nearly the meaning of "should". | You ought to see a doctor about that cough. |
| (3) ought not to | It advises against taking the train, which contradicts the reason that the train saves an hour. | – |
| (4) might not | It expresses the possibility of not doing something and also goes against the reason given. | – |