Modal Verbs:
Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that are used to express ability, possibility, necessity, permission, and other related concepts. In this question, we are asked to fill in the blank with the correct modal verb.
Given Sentence:
"His version of the incident __________ be true."
Options:
A: may
B: should
C: would
D: will
Explanation:
To determine the correct modal verb, let's analyze the sentence and the meaning associated with each option:
1. may: This modal verb is used to express possibility. It indicates that something is possible but not certain. In the given sentence, it suggests that his version of the incident is a possibility.
2. should: This modal verb is used to express obligation, advice, or expectation. It indicates that something is recommended or expected to happen. In the given sentence, it suggests that his version of the incident is expected to be true.
3. would: This modal verb is used to express conditional situations or to talk about the past habit. It indicates a hypothetical or imagined situation. In the given sentence, it does not fit the context as it does not convey the meaning of possibility or expectation.
4. will: This modal verb is used to express future actions or certainty. It indicates a definite or certain event. In the given sentence, it does not fit the context as it does not convey the meaning of possibility or expectation.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct modal verb to fill in the blank is "may" as it expresses the possibility that his version of the incident could be true. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.