One‑Word Substitution
Andaman & Nicobar Islands PSC – English Language
1. Simple Explanation
One‑word substitution is a type of sentence transformation that keeps the meaning of the original sentence unchanged but replaces a phrase (usually a noun phrase, verb phrase, or adjective phrase) with a single word.
The new sentence is usually shorter, more concise, and often sounds more natural.
Example
The committee has made a decision. → The committee decided.
2. Key Points to Remember
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What can be substituted? | - Noun phrases (e.g., a piece of information → information) - Verb phrases (e.g., has decided → decided) - Adjective phrases (e.g., very small → tiny) - Prepositional phrases (e.g., in the morning → morning) |
| Grammar must remain correct | The new word must fit the grammatical role of the original phrase. |
| Maintain meaning | The substitution should not alter the sense or intent of the sentence. |
| Word choice | Prefer the most common, natural synonym. Avoid archaic or overly formal words unless required. |
| Check tense & aspect | When substituting verb phrases, keep tense, aspect, and voice consistent. |
| Avoid ambiguity | Ensure the one‑word form is clear in context. |
| Common patterns | 1. Noun phrase → noun 2. Verb phrase → verb 3. Adjective phrase → adjective 4. Prepositional phrase → adverb/adjective |
| Test the sentence | Read the new sentence aloud. If it sounds awkward or changes meaning, rethink the substitution. |
3. Worked Example
Original Sentence:
The manager has sent a detailed report to the board.
Step‑by‑Step Transformation
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the phrase to replace. | a detailed report (noun phrase) |
| 2 | Choose a single word synonym. | report (or summary if context allows) |
| 3 | Replace the phrase, keeping the rest of the sentence intact. | The manager has sent a report to the board. |
| 4 | Check for grammatical correctness and meaning. | ✔️ (meaning unchanged, sentence is concise) |
Final Sentence:
The manager has sent a report to the board.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Definition – Replace a phrase with a single word without changing meaning.
- Types of phrases – Noun, verb, adjective, prepositional.
- Preserve grammar – Tense, aspect, voice, and grammatical role must stay correct.
- Common substitutions –
- a piece of information → information
- has decided → decided
- very small → tiny
- in the morning → morning
- Check – Read aloud; ensure clarity and naturalness.
Keep these points in mind while practicing PSC mock tests, and you’ll master the art of one‑word substitution with ease!