Rationale
Way is inappropriately informal for an article published in a prestigious medical journal.
In academic and professional writing, particularly in medical journals, the use of informal language is discouraged. The term "way" contributes to a casual tone that is not suitable for the formal context of scholarly articles.
A) too
The word "too" serves as an adverb that modifies "early," indicating excessiveness. In this context, it is appropriately used and aligns with the formal tone typically expected in medical literature, as it conveys a precise meaning without informal connotations.
B) drug's
"Drug's" is a possessive form of the noun "drug," which is a standard term in medical writing. This term is necessary for clarity and specificity regarding the subject being discussed, and its use is entirely appropriate within the context of a scientific article.
C) indicate
The verb "indicate" is a formal term commonly used in scientific writing. It conveys a sense of evidence or conclusion drawn from research findings, making it suitable for a medical journal article where precision and professionalism are paramount.
D) way
The use of "way" in this context introduces an informal tone that is generally avoided in scholarly writing. More formal alternatives, such as "significantly" or "excessively," would be more appropriate for conveying the intended meaning in a professional context.
Conclusion
In formal writing, especially in prestigious medical journals, maintaining a professional tone is essential. The term "way" detracts from this formality, making it the only word in the sentence that is inappropriately informal. All other choices, "too," "drug's," and "indicate," fit well within the expected formal style of academic discourse.
