QUIZ: Modal verbs for advice – should, could, must

During the initial design sprint, the team ______ experiment with at least three radically different prototypes before settling on one.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We use could because it shows a low‑force suggestion—trying different prototypes is just an option, not a requirement.

Given the confidential nature of client data, you ______ implement end‑to‑end encryption on all internal communications.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We choose must because it expresses a strong obligation—encryption is required to keep data secure.

To maximize the reach of your article in academic journals, you ______ target both open‑access and subscription‑based publications.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We select should because it offers a moderate recommendation—this advice improves your chances without being mandatory.

When troubleshooting this legacy software, you ______ try rolling back to a previous stable build to isolate the bug.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We use could as a low‑force option—rolling back is one of several possible strategies.

For ergonomic health, employees ______ adjust their chair height so that their feet rest flat on the floor.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We pick should since it’s sound advice—a recommended practice to reduce strain, but not legally enforced.

Under the new safety protocol, all visitors ______ wear high‑visibility vests within the warehouse perimeter.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We use must to indicate a strict rule—vests are required by the protocol.

If the quarterly figures continue to drop, the board ______ consider diversifying into emerging markets to hedge risk.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We choose could because it opens up a possible action—diversification is one suggested strategy.

Before submitting your grant proposal, you ______ verify that all cited sources adhere to the latest APA guidelines.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We use should as a professional recommendation—checking formatting enhances your proposal’s credibility.

Per industry regulations, manufacturers ______ label every component with its country of origin.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We select must since it denotes a legal obligation—labeling is required by regulation.

To stimulate innovation, managers ______ allocate one afternoon each month solely for “blue‑sky” thinking sessions.

• should

• could

• must

Answer explanation

Explanation:

We pick could because it offers a low‑force suggestion—setting aside creative time is optional but beneficial.