Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
That the framework lacks provisions for backward compatibility (1) / is less problematic than the assumption (2) / that all peripheral institutions will, without coercion, (3) / adheres to the central directive as framed (4).

Correct option is D

Option (d) contains an error.
In part (4), the verb “adheres” is incorrect because it does not agree with its subject. Here, the subject is “all peripheral institutions” (plural), so the verb must also be plural: “adhere”, not “adheres”.
Also, the clause begins with “that” (part 3), so it should read: “…the assumption that all peripheral institutions will, without coercion, adhere to the central directive…”
Grammatical rule used: Subject–Verb Agreement
· A plural subject takes a plural verb (base form without -s/-es in present tense).
· “Institutions” is plural → verb should be “adhere”.
Example:
· Correct: All employees adhere to the company policy.
· Incorrect: All employees adheres to the company policy.
Information booster / exception:
· -s/-es verb form is used with third-person singular subjects only (he/she/it/each/everyone).
· With plural nouns (they/we/people/institutions), use the base verb: adhere, follow, obey, etc.
Corrected sentence:
That the framework lacks provisions for backward compatibility is less problematic than the assumption that all peripheral institutions will, without coercion, adhere to the central directive as framed.