Choose the option that correctly expresses the concept stated in the brackets: It ......... rain tomorrow. (possibility)

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The correct option is 3:
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The question asks you to select the modal auxiliary verb that correctly expresses the concept of 'possibility' in the predictive sentence, "It ......... rain tomorrow." The correct choice is **'may'** because it is the primary modal verb used in English grammar to express a degree of uncertainty, chance, or likelihood about a future event. When we say "It may rain tomorrow," we are conveying that there is a possibility—it is neither certain nor impossible—that the rain event will occur. This is often related to weather predictions, where certainty is low. Conceptually, 'may' indicates that the action is permitted to happen or has a chance of happening, placing it squarely in the realm of possibility, which is precisely what the brackets specify.

The incorrect option is 1:
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The incorrect option is 1 (**must**). 'Must' is a modal verb used to express strong obligation, necessity, or logical deduction/certainty. For instance, "You must finish your homework" (obligation) or "She must be tired after that long journey" (logical deduction/certainty). It conveys a very high degree of certainty or an imperative requirement, which is the exact opposite of the 'possibility' required by the question. Therefore, substituting 'must' into the sentence would wrongly imply near-certainty ("It must rain tomorrow"), rather than a mere possibility.

The incorrect option is 2:
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The incorrect option is 2 (**should**). 'Should' is used primarily to express advice, recommendation, or duty, and also to express expectation or probability. For example, "You should study harder" (advice) or "The package should arrive by Friday" (expectation). While it suggests a predicted outcome, it does not function as the main modal for expressing general, low-to-medium-level possibility or chance in the way 'may' does. Using 'should' here would mean "It is expected to rain tomorrow," which is closer to a weak obligation or expectation rather than a simple statement of possibility.

The incorrect option is 4:
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The incorrect option is 4 (**shall**). 'Shall' is traditionally used in formal contexts to express strong determination, formal promise, or command, especially with the first person (I/we). In modern English, particularly with the second and third persons (he, she, it, they, you), 'shall' is usually used for emphasis or to indicate a formal legal/policy requirement. It signals intent or strong certainty, not possibility. Using 'shall' would sound highly formal and declare a definite future action ("It shall rain tomorrow"), completely contradicting the intended meaning of 'possibility.'