Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
The enigma of quantum mechanics remains inscrutably elusive despite of decades of intensive research by the world's leading physicists.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. despite decades of.
Error Concept: Incorrect use of the preposition “despite of”
What is wrong: The phrase “despite of” is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is either “despite” or “in spite of”, not “despite of.”
Grammatical Concept:
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Despite is a preposition and is not followed by "of".
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Correct: despite the rain
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Incorrect: despite of the rain
Correct phrase/correction: despite decades of intensive research...
Final Sentence: The enigma of quantum mechanics remains inscrutably elusive despite decades of intensive research by the world's leading physicists.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.