Identify the incorrect word in the sentence from the options given below:
Ravi and Rohan replies promptly to the proposal put before them.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Replies
Subject-verb agreement:
- Two subjects joined by and make a plural subject and take a plural verb.
- "Ravi and Rohan" is plural, so the singular "replies" is wrong.
- Corrected: Ravi and Rohan reply (or replied) promptly to the proposal put before them.
Example: Meena and her sister reply to every letter they receive.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Promptly — Incorrect. An adverb rightly describing how they reply: quickly, without delay.
Option 2: Proposal — Incorrect. A noun rightly used after "the"; a proposal is a plan or suggestion.
Option 3: Before — Incorrect. "Put before them" means placed in front of them for a decision; the preposition is correct.
Contrast: "Ravi and Rohan" (two subjects joined by and) take the plural reply; a single subject such as "Ravi" takes replies.