The blank requires a verb in base form (V1) to be placed next to the modal verb 'can'. Among the options, 'results' and 'leads' are in third person singular form (V5), 'guiding' is in continuous form (V4) and these cannot be used next to the modal verb and so they are negated. In option (e) the verb 'yield' (give way to arguments, demands, or pressure) is a contextually irrelevant word and thus it is also negated. Option (a) 'lead' (culminate or result in (a particular event or consequence)) is the most appropriate word that can fill the blank in the given sentence and also matches the context of the sentence.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Note:
V1 -> Base form/simple form of verb, V2 -> Past form of verb (-ed form or irregular verb), V3 -> Past participle form of verb (-ed, -d, -t, -en, or -n), V4 -> Continuous form of verb / Present participle form of verb (-ing form), V5 -> Third person singular (V1+ -es or -s).
Modal verb: A verb used with another verb to express an idea such as possibility that is not expressed by the main verb. The modal verbs in English are "can," "could," "may," "might," "must," "ought," "shall," "should," "will," and "would." They do not change their form (spelling) and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present). Example: I can speak Spanish. Here 'can' expresses the ability of the person to speak (main verb) Spanish. This ability cannot be expressed by the main verb 'speak'.
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