Vocabulary · lesson 21 of 30 · free

One word substitution — Vocabulary words for kids

One word substitution means replacing a group of words with one exact word: “a person who cannot read or write” is illiterate; “a period of two weeks” is a fortnight. It makes writing short and sharp.

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Word tip

Many words → one word — “find the single word that means exactly the whole phrase”

  1. Read every part of the phrase: who or what, and what is special about it.
  2. Think of word endings that help: -ible / -able (can be done), -ist (a person), -ary / -ium (a place), -vore (an eater).
  3. Check that the word matches the whole phrase, not just part of it.

Use it for: One word substitution questions in Class 6–10 tests and competitive exams, and writing crisp answers.

Worked example: One word for: fit to be eaten → edible

  1. Words ending in -ible or -able mean “can be done”.
  2. Can be eaten → edible.

Check: “These berries are edible” = they are fit to be eaten ✓

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✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 21 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🎯 One-Word Wizard badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 10 lessons of Part 3 · Advanced vocabulary. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ One Word Substitution Worksheet

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