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Question

In the following question, select the word which cannot be formed using the letters of the given word.

RETROGADE

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2017 Previous Year Paper (14-Sep-2017) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

READY

Finding Words Not Formed from RETROGADE Letters

The question asks us to identify the word among the given options that cannot be formed using only the letters available in the word RETROGADE.

Analyzing the Letters Available in RETROGADE

First, let's list the distinct letters present in the word RETROGADE and count their occurrences:

  • R: 2 times
  • E: 2 times
  • T: 1 time
  • O: 1 time
  • G: 1 time
  • A: 1 time
  • D: 1 time

So, the available letters are R, E, T, R, O, G, A, D, E.

Checking Each Option Word

Now, let's examine each option to see if its letters are all present in RETROGADE, respecting the counts:

Option 1: READY

The letters in READY are R, E, A, D, Y.

  • R: Available in RETROGADE.
  • E: Available in RETROGADE.
  • A: Available in RETROGADE.
  • D: Available in RETROGADE.
  • Y: Is the letter 'Y' available in RETROGADE? No.

Since the letter 'Y' is required to form the word READY, and 'Y' is not present in RETROGADE, the word READY cannot be formed.

Option 2: GRADE

The letters in GRADE are G, R, A, D, E.

  • G: Available in RETROGADE.
  • R: Available in RETROGADE.
  • A: Available in RETROGADE.
  • D: Available in RETROGADE.
  • E: Available in RETROGADE.

All letters required for GRADE are available in RETROGADE. So, GRADE can be formed.

Option 3: TRADE

The letters in TRADE are T, R, A, D, E.

  • T: Available in RETROGADE.
  • R: Available in RETROGADE.
  • A: Available in RETROGADE.
  • D: Available in RETROGADE.
  • E: Available in RETROGADE.

All letters required for TRADE are available in RETROGADE. So, TRADE can be formed.

Option 4: GREAT

The letters in GREAT are G, R, E, A, T.

  • G: Available in RETROGADE.
  • R: Available in RETROGADE.
  • E: Available in RETROGADE.
  • A: Available in RETROGADE.
  • T: Available in RETROGADE.

All letters required for GREAT are available in RETROGADE. So, GREAT can be formed.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the word READY cannot be formed using the letters of RETROGADE because RETROGADE does not contain the letter 'Y'. The other options (GRADE, TRADE, GREAT) can all be formed using the letters available in RETROGADE.

Word Letters Needed Available in RETROGADE? Can be Formed?
READY R, E, A, D, Y Y is NOT available No
GRADE G, R, A, D, E All available Yes
TRADE T, R, A, D, E All available Yes
GREAT G, R, E, A, T All available Yes

Revision Table: Letter Analysis for Word Formation

Understanding letter availability is key in these types of word puzzles. Here's a quick check on the letters needed vs. available:

Letter Count in RETROGADE Needed for READY Needed for GRADE Needed for TRADE Needed for GREAT
R 2 1 1 1 1
E 2 1 1 1 1
T 1 0 0 1 1
O 1 0 0 0 0
G 1 0 1 0 1
A 1 1 1 1 1
D 1 1 1 1 0
Y 0 1 0 0 0

The table clearly shows that 'Y' is needed for READY but is not available in RETROGADE.

Additional Information on Word Building Puzzles

Word formation puzzles are common in vocabulary and reasoning tests. The core principle is strict adherence to the letters provided in the source word and their respective counts. You cannot use a letter that isn't there, nor can you use a letter more times than it appears in the source word.

Key strategies include:

  • Listing available letters and counts accurately.
  • Checking each letter of the target word against the available list.
  • Paying attention to duplicate letters in the source word (like R and E in RETROGADE).

These puzzles help improve attention to detail and letter recognition skills.

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