Spelling & One-Word Substitution • Topic 4 of 4

One-Word Substitution (General)

Other one-word substitutions describe situations or things. The prefixes (in-, im-, un-) and roots usually point straight to the answer.

Words for things and situations

PhraseOne word
that which cannot be avoidedinevitable
that which cannot be believedincredible
a speech without preparationimpromptu / extempore
lives both on land and wateramphibian
a place where money is coinedmint
words written on a tombepitaph
a medicine that kills germsantiseptic
The "in-/im-" pattern. "that which cannot be ___" almost always takes a word starting in- or im-: inevitable, incredible, impossible, incorrigible. Spotting the pattern narrows the options instantly.

✅ Solved examples

1. That which cannot be avoided.
Inevitable.
2. A speech made without prior preparation.
Impromptu (or extempore).
3. An animal living both on land and in water.
Amphibian.
4. That which cannot be believed.
Incredible.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. That which cannot be seen.
Prefix in-.
—
—
Invisible
2. Words written on a tomb.
"epi-".
—
—
Epitaph
3. A place where money is coined.
Short word.
—
—
Mint
4. That which cannot be corrected.
Prefix in-.
—
—
Incorrigible
5. A medicine that kills germs.
"anti-".
—
—
Antiseptic

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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