For these questions, choose the option that best complete the gap(s) The officer ....that he was not supposed to talk to the press on the matter

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "The officer ____ that he was not supposed to talk to the press on the matter."

The clause "he was not supposed to talk" is in the past tense, so the missing verb must fit a past situation. It also suggests the officer had a duty or expectation to know the rule.

Explain the concept

Here are the structures involved:

• should have + past participle expresses an expected or obligatory action in the past, often one that was not fulfilled. It implies criticism or a duty. Example: "You should have known better."
• could have + past participle expresses a past possibility or ability that did not happen. It does not carry the sense of duty.
• shall know / will know are future forms. They clash with the past clause "was not supposed to."

Step-by-step solution

1. "Was not supposed to talk" is past, so the future options B (shall know) and D (will know) are ruled out.
2. That leaves A (could have known) and C (should have known).
3. "Could have known" means it was possible for him to know. That says little about his responsibility, and it is weaker in meaning.
4. "Should have known" means he was expected to know, because it was his duty as an officer. This fits the idea that he was not supposed to talk to the press.

So the sentence reads: "The officer should have known that he was not supposed to talk to the press on the matter."

Answer: C. should have known

Tip

When a sentence involves a past rule, duty, or expectation, think "should have + past participle." Use "could have" for missed possibilities, such as "He could have won if he had tried." Also, always check the tense of the rest of the sentence first, since this can quickly eliminate the future-tense options.