One‑Word Substitution
“One‑word substitution” is a question type in which a word (or a phrase) in a sentence is replaced by a blank and you must choose the correct word from four options that best fits the sentence.
1. Simple Explanation
| What | Why |
|---|---|
| Definition | A single word that can replace another word (often a synonym, antonym, or word of the same grammatical category) without changing the meaning of the sentence. |
| Goal | To test vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to understand the context of the sentence. |
| Typical format | A sentence with a blank: “The teacher ___ the students’ work.” Options: graded, criticised, ignored, hired. |
2. Key Points to Remember
| Category | Tips |
|---|---|
| 1. Word classes | • The missing word must belong to the same part of speech as the word it replaces. • Pay attention to subject‑verb agreement, tense, and number. |
| 2. Context clues | • Look for words that give a sense of emotion, time, location, or cause/effect. • The options will usually include one that fits the context perfectly. |
| 3. Synonyms & Antonyms | • If the sentence expresses a particular meaning, choose a synonym from the options. • If the sentence expresses the opposite, choose an antonym. |
| 4. Idiomatic expressions | • Some blanks are part of set phrases (e.g., in spite of, as far as). Recognise these patterns. |
| 5. Eliminate wrong options | • Remove options that are obviously wrong in terms of grammar or meaning. |
| 6. Check for consistency | • After inserting the chosen word, read the full sentence again to ensure it still makes sense. |
| 7. Common pitfalls | • Mixing up less vs fewer (countable vs uncountable). • Confusing lay vs lie. • Wrong tense (e.g., will have vs has). |
3. Worked Example
Sentence with blank
The mayor announced that the city would ___ a new public library next year.
Options
- open
- opened
- opening
- openeded
Step‑by‑Step Solving
- Identify the part of speech needed – the missing word is a verb that follows would.
- Look at the tense – would is a past‑modal, so the following verb is in its base form (infinitive without to).
- Match the meaning – “announce” + “would open” fits the context.
- Eliminate incorrect options
- opened – past tense, not matching would + base.
- opening – gerund/participle, not correct after would.
- openeded – incorrect form.
- Select the correct answer – option 1: open.
Correct Sentence
The mayor announced that the city would open a new public library next year.
4. Quick Revision Summary
| ✅ Check | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Does the word match the grammatical role of the word it replaces? |
| Tense & Agreement | Is the verb tense and subject‑verb agreement correct? |
| Contextual Fit | Does the word logically fit the meaning of the sentence? |
| Common Errors | Watch out for less/fewer, lay/lie, opened vs open, and idiomatic phrases. |
| Elimination Strategy | Remove obviously wrong options first to narrow choices. |
Quick Practice
The scientist’s discovery ___ the way we treat the disease.
a) has revolutionised
b) was revolutionised
c) revolutionises
d) revolutionised
Answer: a) has revolutionised (present perfect, matches context).
Feel free to test yourself with more sentences, and remember: a systematic approach—identify the required word type, match the tense, then use context—will help you nail every one‑word substitution question. Happy studying!