Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
It was not merely the fragmentation of administrative jurisdictions across sectors (1)/ that disrupted cohesive governance, but the inertia embedded in overlapping regulatory mandates (2)/ which, though designed to safeguard institutional autonomy, (3)/ ends up paralyzing inter-departmental responsiveness altogether. (4)

Correct option is D

Option (d) contains an error.
Explanation: The subject of the final clause is “the inertia” (singular noun). Therefore, the verb must agree in number and tense with a singular subject in a formal, parallel construction.
Here, “ends up” is present tense, but the main structure begins in the past: “It was not merely…”
Hence, the clause should maintain tense consistency and use past: “ended up paralyzing…” (or “ends up” only if the whole sentence is framed as a present/general truth).
So, the error is tense inconsistency and faulty parallel alignment with the earlier past narration.
Correct usage: ended up paralyzing
Corrected sentence:
“…which, though designed to safeguard institutional autonomy, ended up paralyzing inter-departmental responsiveness altogether.”
Grammatical rule used:
· Tense consistency: If the main verb is in past (was), related actions should usually stay in past unless expressing a timeless fact.
· Parallel structure in “not… but…” sentences should maintain consistent grammatical style and time reference.
· Example: It was not the plan that failed, but the execution that ended up causing delays.
· Information booster / exceptions:
· If the writer intends a general truth, the whole sentence should shift to present: “It is not merely…, but … which … ends up …”