Q.5 Choose the most appropriate alternative from the options given below to complete the following
sentence:
If the tired soldier wanted to lie down, he ___ the mattress out on the balcony.
(A) should take
(B) shall take
(C) should have taken
(D) will have taken
Tired soldier lie down mattress balcony sentence completion MCQ solved: Should take is correct.
For a general past situation where the soldier wanted to rest, should take provides the most natural advice using present simple for timeless recommendations. Correct answer: (A).
Correct Answer
(A) should take
Detailed Grammar Analysis
Sentence Context
“If the tired soldier wanted to lie down, he ___ the mattress out on the balcony.”
Past context + hypothetical advice = present simple modal for general recommendations
Option Breakdown
| Option | Tense/Structure | Meaning | Why Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | should take | General advice (present simple) | ✅ Correct: Timeless recommendation for past situations |
| (B) | shall take | Future intention (formal) | ❌ Wrong: Archaic, not for advice |
| (C) | should have taken | Past advice (missed opportunity) | ❌ Wrong: Implies he didn’t act |
| (D) | will have taken | Future perfect (by some future point) | ❌ Wrong: Future tense mismatch |
Key Grammar Rule
Past context + general advice → should + base verb (present simple)
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“If you wanted help, you should ask” ✓
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“If he was tired, he should rest” ✓
Introduction to Tired Soldier Grammar MCQ
Tired soldier lie down mattress balcony sentence completion tests modal verb tenses for past hypothetical advice. Should take correctly uses present simple for general recommendations vs future/speculative tenses.
Why “Should Take” Perfectly Fits
Pattern: Past “wanted” + general advice = should + base form
If you wanted X, you should do Y ✓ (general truth)
If you wanted X, you should have done Y ✗ (missed past action)
Elimination logic:
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Shall take: Formal future, not advice
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Should have taken: Regret/unrealized past
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Will have taken: Future perfect – irrelevant
Exam Strategy for Modal Verb MCQs
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Identify time frame: Past context ≠ past modal
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Advice vs fact: “Should” for recommendations
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Base form rule: Should + infinitive (no “to”)
