One-word substitution

One‑Word Substitution – Study Notes

(Meghalaya PSC – English Language)

1. What is One‑Word Substitution?

• It is a way of replacing a whole phrase with a single word that keeps the same meaning.
• Think of it like shortening a sentence so it becomes easier to read.

Everyday Analogy

Imagine you have a long list of ingredients for a recipe. Instead of writing everything out, you write “spices.”
“Spices” tells the reader what those many items are, but in just one word.

2. Why Do We Use It?

• Clarity: Keeps the sentence clear and crisp.
• Time‑saving: Both the writer and the reader use less time.
• Exam advantage: Many tests ask you to choose the best single word.

3. How to Identify a Candidate for Replacement

1. Look for a phrase that repeats often (e.g., “in order to”, “at this point in time”).
2. Check if one word already exists that means the same thing (e.g., “beforehand” for “in advance”).
3. Make sure the replacement doesn’t change the sentence’s meaning or grammatical role.

4. Common One‑Word Substitutes (Very Simple List)

Tip: Think of how you would say the phrase to a friend in one word.

5. Tiny Example

Phrase – “In order to finish the work, I will call you tomorrow.”
Replace – “To finish the work, I will call you tomorrow.”

Notice the sentence is shorter but still clear.

6. Practice: Choose the Best Word

1. The report was presented ____ the committee.

   • a) in front of
   • b) before
   • c) during
   • d) to

2. She finished the assignment ____ the deadline.

   • a) before
   • b) after
   • c) against
   • d) at

3. We used a lot of _____ to complete the project.

   • a) resources
   • b) help
   • c) aid
   • d) support

Answers

1. a) in front of → to
2. a) before → before (phrase can stay; no single word needed)
3. c) aid → resources (but “aid” is also a good single word)

7. Quick Tips for the Exam

• Read the entire sentence first.
• Ask yourself: “What single word could stand in for this whole phrase?”
• Remember the role of the word (preposition, noun, verb, adjective).
• Use the short list above as a quick reference.

8. Summary

• One‑word substitution turns long phrases into a single word.
• It makes writing clear, saves time, and is useful in exams.
• Practice by spotting phrases and thinking of a single word that keeps the meaning.
• Use everyday analogies: like shortening a long list to “spices.”

Keep practicing with small sentences, and soon you’ll spot the right one‑word substitute in no time!