Question

Find the error in the following sentence.
Many physicists initially regarded quantum theory as unnatural, absurd, and incompatible to common sense.
A. Regarded
B. As
C. And
D. To
E. No error

Answer 1

Hint:The word ‘incompatible’ used in the given sentence means not compatible with, of opposed or contrary nature. We will observe the entire sentence carefully to figure out the correction by ensuring that each noun, verb, adverb and preposition is used at the correct place.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to figure out the correct answer with the help of the above stated hint.
Regarded : The verb ‘regarded’ means to take into account, consider. This word is rightly placed before the noun ‘quantum theory’. Therefore, this is not an error.

As: This adverb is correctly placed before the adjectives unnatural, absurd and incompatible. Therefore, this is not an error.

And: This conjunction is rightly placed before the last adjective that describes the quantum theory in the given sentence. Therefore, this is not an error.

To: This preposition is wrongly used with the adjective ‘incompatible’. ‘To’ refers to the motion or direction toward something. This is an error.

No error: This option is invalid as we have already encountered the error.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘D’.

Note: The preposition ‘to’ should be replaced by the preposition ‘with’ as the adjective ‘incompatible’ refers to a relation of mismatch or contrast. Therefore, the correct sentence is “Many physicists initially regarded quantum theory as unnatural, absurd, and incompatible with common sense.”