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Word Usage in Context

IBPS PO · English Language

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Core Concept

Read this first — the foundation of the topic

Word Usage in Context tests your ability to choose the correct word based on the meaning and situation described in a sentence. This is not about grammar rules. It is about understanding what each word means and which one fits best in the given context.

SSC CGL frequently asks questions where you must select the most appropriate word from 4 similar options to complete a sentence meaningfully. The key is understanding subtle differences between words that appear similar but have different meanings or usage patterns. For example, 'affect' vs 'effect', 'compliment' vs 'complement', or 'principal' vs 'principle'.

Context clues in the sentence will always guide you to the right answer. Look for signal words, tone, and the overall meaning the sentence is trying to convey. Common question patterns include: Fill in the blanks with appropriate words, Choose the word that best fits the context, Replace the underlined word with the most suitable alternative, and Identify the incorrectly used word in the sentence.

The CONTEXT CLUE TECHNIQUE works best here. Read the entire sentence carefully. Identify what type of word is needed (noun, verb, adjective).

Look for clues about positive or negative meaning. Consider the relationship between different parts of the sentence. Then eliminate options that don't match the context.

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Worked Example

Solve this step-by-step before moving on

1

Step 1

Identify what type of word is needed. Here we need a verb because 'will' is followed by the blank.

2

Step 2

Understand the context. The sentence talks about a policy doing something to employees.

3

Step 3

Analyze options. 'Affect' (verb) means to influence or make changes to something. 'Effect' (noun) means result or consequence. 'Infect' (verb) means to contaminate with disease. 'Perfect' (verb) means to make flawless.

4

Step 4

Apply context. A policy influences or impacts employees.

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Step 5

Answer is (a) affect.

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Shortcuts

Use these to save 30–60 seconds per question

⚡Another quick trick

If you can replace the word with 'influence', use affect. If you can replace with 'result', use effect

⚠️COMMON MISTAKE

Students often choose words based on sound similarity rather than meaning. Don't pick 'effect' just because it sounds similar to 'affect'. Always check if the word type (noun/verb/adjective) matches what the sentence needs. Practice identifying context clues daily to improve accuracy.

🔑 Key Points

Context clues in the sentence always guide you to the correct word choice
Identify the required word type first - noun, verb, adjective, or adverb
Look for positive or negative tone indicators in the sentence
Affect is a verb meaning to influence; Effect is a noun meaning result
Principal means main or head person; Principle means rule or belief
Compliment means praise; Complement means to complete or make perfect
Read the entire sentence before selecting any option
Eliminate options that don't match the sentence context or word type needed

📌 Exam Facts

Affect is always a verb meaning to influence or impact something
Effect is typically a noun meaning result, consequence, or outcome
Principal refers to the head of school or main amount of money
Principle refers to fundamental rules, beliefs, or moral standards
Compliment means expressing praise, admiration, or approval
Complement means something that completes or makes perfect when combined
Accept means to receive willingly; Except means to exclude or leave out
Advice is a noun meaning guidance; Advise is a verb meaning to give guidance

🚀 60-Second Revision

Remember: Context clues always reveal the right answer in word usage questions
Trick: A-E-I-O-U method - 'A'ffect is 'A'ction, 'E'ffect is 'E'nd result
Check: Identify required word type before looking at options
Formula: If you can substitute 'influence' use affect, if 'result' use effect
Trap: Don't choose words based on similar sounds, focus on meaning
Strategy: Read complete sentence twice before eliminating wrong options
Key: Look for positive/negative tone indicators to guide word selection

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