Which comes FIRST in the dictionary?

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

The question asks to identify which word comes first in dictionary order.
All options start with the letter 'A', so the comparison must proceed to the second letter of each word.
The second letters are 'l' (Always), 'r' (Arrow), 'p' (Apple), and 'x' (Axe).
In the English alphabet, 'l' comes before 'p', 'r', and 'x'.
Therefore, the word 'Always' is the first among the choices in alphabetical order.

Option B: The word 'Arrow' is incorrect because its second letter, 'r', comes after 'l' (from Always) and 'p' (from Apple) in the alphabet.
Option C: The word 'Apple' is incorrect because its second letter, 'p', comes after 'l' (from Always) in the alphabet.
Option D: The word 'Axe' is incorrect because its second letter, 'x', comes last alphabetically among the second letters of all the given options ('l', 'p', 'r').

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Alphabetical Ordering / Dictionary Order as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general intelligence question, not a clinical one. However, the underlying skill is crucial in healthcare.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals constantly work with alphabetized information, such as patient files, medication lists, and supply inventories. The ability to quickly and accurately navigate alphabetized systems is essential for efficiency and error prevention.
What if the words were 'Crate', 'Crane', and 'Craft'? The approach remains the same. You compare letter by letter. 'Cra' is common to all. You then compare the fourth letters: 't', 'n', 'f'. 'f' (Craft) comes first, then 'n' (Crane), then 't' (Crate).

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core task: Find the word that appears first in a dictionary.
Begin by comparing the first letter of each option. In this case, all words start with 'A'.
Since the first letters are identical, proceed to compare the second letter of each word.
The words are: A'l'ways, A'r'row, A'p'ple, A'x'e.
Mentally arrange the second letters ('l', 'p', 'r', 'x') in their correct alphabetical sequence.
Identify which letter comes earliest in the alphabet. Here, it is 'l'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full BHU NO-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.