Extract:
Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence?
He received an oral dose initial, followed by an IV drip.
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A
received
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B
dose
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C
initial
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D
followed
The word "initial" is used incorrectly; the adverb "initially" is required to modify the verb phrase "received an oral dose."
A) received
"Received" is correctly used as past tense verb. No error affects this verb form.
B) dose
"Dose" is correctly used as singular noun object. No error affects this noun.
C) initial
"Initial" is an adjective, but it attempts to modify the verb phrase "received an oral dose", requiring an adverb instead. Correct form is adverb "initially" ("He received an oral dose initially").
D) followed
"Followed" is correctly used as past participle in passive construction "followed by." No error affects this verb form.
Conclusion
Adjectives modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Since "initial" attempts to modify the verb action of receiving (not a noun), the adverb "initially" is grammatically required for proper modification.