Modals of necessity (planning ahead): Choose the correction that expresses required readiness before departure time. Original sentence: "The train will leave at 8.30 pm, we have been ready by 7.30pm so that, we can reach the station in time." Select the best improvement for the underlined segment.

Verbal Ability Sentence Correction Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    were
  • B
    must be
  • C
    are
  • D
    should have
  • E
    No correction required

Answer

Correct Answer: must be

Explanation

Given data

  • Requirement: readiness by 7.30 pm for an 8.30 pm train.
  • Original uses present perfect "have been" incorrectly.

Concept/ApproachUse a modal of necessity to state a requirement: must be ready by 7.30 pm.

Option analysisB. "must be" → clearly expresses necessity. ✔A → simple past; wrong time reference.C → mere present state; lacks the force of necessity.D → "should have" suggests a missed requirement in the past; wrong meaning.E → original aspect is incorrect.

Corrected sentence"The train will leave at 8.30 pm; we must be ready by 7.30 pm so that we can reach the station in time."

Common pitfallsAvoid using the present perfect (have been) to refer to a future deadline.

Final Answermust be

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