Understanding Dictionary Order: Sorting Words Alphabetically

To arrange words in the order they appear in an English dictionary, we compare them letter by letter from left to right. The word with the letter that comes first alphabetically at the first point of difference is placed earlier.

Let's look at the given words and their corresponding numbers:

• 1. Phantom
• 2. Photograph
• 3. Philosophy
• 4. Physical
• 5. Pharynx
• 6. Physics

Step-by-Step Alphabetical Arrangement

All the words begin with the letters "Ph". We need to look at the third letter to find the first point of difference.

• 1. Phantom: The third letter is 'a'.
• 2. Photograph: The third letter is 'o'.
• 3. Philosophy: The third letter is 'i'.
• 4. Physical: The third letter is 'y'.
• 5. Pharynx: The third letter is 'a'.
• 6. Physics: The third letter is 'y'.

Comparing the third letters ('a', 'o', 'i', 'y', 'a', 'y') alphabetically, 'a' comes first, followed by 'i', then 'o', and finally 'y'.

This groups the words as follows:

• Group 1 (Third letter 'a'): Phantom (1), Pharynx (5)
• Group 2 (Third letter 'i'): Philosophy (3)
• Group 3 (Third letter 'o'): Photograph (2)
• Group 4 (Third letter 'y'): Physical (4), Physics (6)

Sorting Within Groups

Now, we compare the words within each group based on the next available letter.

Group 1: Phantom (1), Pharynx (5)

Both start with 'Pha'. Let's compare the fourth letter:

• 1. Phantom: The fourth letter is 'n'.
• 5. Pharynx: The fourth letter is 'r'.

Since 'n' comes before 'r' in the alphabet, Phantom (1) comes before Pharynx (5).

Order for Group 1: 1, 5

Group 2: Philosophy (3)

There is only one word in this group, so its position is determined by the third letter.

Order for Group 2: 3

Group 3: Photograph (2)

There is only one word in this group, so its position is determined by the third letter.

Order for Group 3: 2

Group 4: Physical (4), Physics (6)

Both start with 'Phy'. Let's compare the subsequent letters.

• 4. Physical: Physisical
• 6. Physics: Physisics

Comparing at the seventh letter, 'a' comes before 's'. Therefore, Physical (4) comes before Physics (6).

Order for Group 4: 4, 6

Combining the Sorted Groups

Now we combine the groups in the order determined by the third letter:

1. Group 1 (Third letter 'a'): 1, 5
2. Group 2 (Third letter 'i'): 3
3. Group 3 (Third letter 'o'): 2
4. Group 4 (Third letter 'y'): 4, 6

The correct order of the words as they would appear in an English dictionary is: Phantom (1), Pharynx (5), Philosophy (3), Photograph (2), Physical (4), Physics (6).

Final Sequence of Numbers

Based on the alphabetical arrangement, the correct sequence of numbers is 1, 5, 3, 2, 4, 6.

Revision Table: Dictionary Sorting

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary and Logic Skills

Arranging words in dictionary order, also known as alphabetical sorting, is a fundamental skill that helps in using dictionaries and other alphabetical lists efficiently. This exercise tests your attention to detail and systematic comparison skills. Practicing such questions can improve your vocabulary and verbal reasoning abilities, which are crucial for various competitive exams.

Remember to compare letters carefully, moving from left to right. If two words have the same initial letters, continue comparing until you find a letter that is different. The word with the letter that appears earlier in the alphabet takes precedence. If one word is identical to the beginning of another word, the shorter word comes first (e.g., 'apply' comes before 'application').