Complete the text by filling in the blank with the appropriate subject pronoun or noun phrase that conforms to the conventions of Standard English subject-modifier agreement.
Answer:In 1928, Paul Dirac formulated a relativistic wave equation to describe the behavior of the electron. Though initially dismissed by contemporary physicists as a mathematical curiosity with no physical relevance, 【the Dirac equation】 is now recognized as a foundational equation in quantum mechanics.
Answer
The blank must be filled with a noun phrase or pronoun that refers directly to the equation (such as 'the Dirac equation', 'this equation', or 'it') to ensure it agrees with the introductory modifying phrase 'Though initially dismissed by contemporary physicists as a mathematical curiosity with no physical relevance.'
The introductory modifying phrase 'Though initially dismissed by contemporary physicists as a mathematical curiosity with no physical relevance' must logically describe the subject that immediately follows it. In this context, the entity that was dismissed as a mathematical curiosity is the relativistic wave equation. Therefore, the blank must be filled with a noun phrase or pronoun referring to the equation (such as 'the Dirac equation' or 'it') to establish correct subject-modifier agreement.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Subject-Modifier Agreement