Apple Computers ____ the share of the market held by Microsoft in the ...
The correct answer is option D: might have captured.
Explanation:
- The sentence talks about the past and the missed opportunity of Apple Computers in the late 1990s.
- The verb used in the sentence should be in the past tense and indicate a possibility or hypothetical scenario.
- Let's analyze the options:
A: could capture
- "Could" indicates the ability to capture the market share, but it doesn't convey the missed opportunity or the hypothetical scenario. This option is incorrect.
B: needn't have captured
- "Needn't have" indicates that capturing the market share was not necessary, but it doesn't convey the missed opportunity or the hypothetical scenario. This option is incorrect.
C: should capture
- "Should" indicates an obligation or recommendation, but it doesn't convey the missed opportunity or the hypothetical scenario. This option is incorrect.
D: might have captured
- "Might have" indicates a possibility or hypothetical scenario in the past, which is suitable for the sentence. This option is correct.
E: might capture
- "Might capture" indicates a possibility in the present or future, but the sentence is talking about the past. This option is incorrect.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D: might have captured.
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Apple Computers ____ the share of the market held by Microsoft in the ...
Understanding the Correct Answer: "might have captured"
The sentence discusses Apple's potential in relation to Microsoft's market share during the late 1990s. The correct answer, "might have captured," indicates a possibility that was not realized. Here’s a breakdown of why this option fits best:
1. Implication of Possibility
- The phrase "might have" suggests that there was a chance or opportunity for Apple to capture market share.
- It conveys a sense of hypothetical outcomes, reflecting on what could have occurred if circumstances were different.
2. Contextual Fit
- The sentence notes that Apple did not have a clear business plan, which implies that although they had the potential ("might have"), they ultimately did not act on it.
- This aligns with the historical context where Apple struggled against Microsoft despite having innovative products.
3. Comparison with Other Options
- "could capture": Indicates present ability, not past potential.
- "needn't have captured": Suggests it was unnecessary, which is not the case here.
- "should captured": Incorrect grammatical structure (should have captured).
- "might capture": Indicates future potential, not a reflection on the past.
Conclusion
- The option "might have captured" accurately encapsulates the idea of Apple having the potential to take market share in a past scenario that did not materialize. This reflects both the opportunity and the lack of execution due to a missing business plan.