Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
The perception that the guidelines are optional (1)/ rather than compulsory have led (2)/ to widespread inconsistencies in compliance (3)/ across state-level implementations. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. (2).
Introduction
We must locate the segment containing the grammatical error.
Error is related to / concept:
Subject–verb agreement with complex subjects.
What is wrong:
The verb “have led” is plural, but the subject “The perception …” is singular.
Grammatical concept:
A singular abstract noun like perception remains singular even if followed by a clause.
Hence, the verb must be singular (has led).
Example: The belief that rules are unclear has led to confusion.
Incorrectness of the concept in context:
Using have led disagrees with the singular subject.
How to correct:
Use has led in the place of have led.
Correct phrase / correction:
“… rather than compulsory has led …”
Final sentence:
The perception that the guidelines are optional rather than compulsory has led to widespread inconsistencies in compliance across state-level implementations.