Choose the omitted word in the given sentence from the options given below:
There is a popular belief that by playing music in the background, learning and retention ______ enhanced.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → can be
Complete sentence: There is a popular belief that by playing music in the background, learning and retention can be enhanced. The belief is that background music makes it possible to improve learning and memory: "learning and retention can be enhanced."
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) must | It leaves out "be". "Must enhanced" is ungrammatical, since a modal is followed by the base form. | – |
| (2) should | It leaves out "be". "Should enhanced" is ungrammatical. | – |
| (3) can be (answer) | Can expresses that something is possible. The subject "learning and retention" receives the action, so the verb is passive: modal + be + past participle. | This problem can be solved in two ways. |
| (4) may | It too leaves out "be". A modal is followed by the base form, and "may enhanced" is ungrammatical. | – |