Select the most appropriate modal to complete the sentence:
Before he hurt his back, Naseem Chacha ______ climb the coconut trees in his backyard in less than a minute.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → could
Complete sentence: Before he hurt his back, Naseem Chacha could climb the coconut trees in his backyard in less than a minute. “Before he hurt his back” shows past time. Climbing fast was his skill in those days.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) could (answer) | could + base verb (the simple form, like go or eat): a past skill | In her college days, Mummy could run faster than all her friends. |
| (2) can | ability in the present | Geeta can play the flute by ear. |
| (3) will | a sure future or a promise | The Chennai train will leave at 4:10. |
| (4) must | a strong necessity or duty | Patients must show their slip at the counter. |