Letter Analogy and Alphabetical Analogies: Pair, Cluster and Opposite Letter Patterns with Solved Examples for SSC

In a letter analogy, a relation between two letter groups is given (for example AB : CD) and the same relation has to be applied to a third group. This guide on letter analogy for SSC explains the commonly used patterns, the position table, the method and solved examples, with practice questions and FAQs. For word-based analogies, see the Word Analogy note.

Alphabet Position Table

The opposite letter of a letter at position n is at position 27 − n (A↔Z, B↔Y, C↔X, D↔W, E↔V, and so on).

Common Patterns

Method

1. Convert the first pair of the analogy into the numbers using the position table.
2. Find how each letter of the first group changes to give the second group (the difference in each position).
3. Apply the same changes to the third group.
4. Check the options; look for the odd step such as wrapping around after Z.

Solved Examples

Example 1. AB : CD :: EF : ?
Each letter moves 2 steps forward: E+2 = G, F+2 = H. Answer: GH.

Example 2. ACE : BDF :: GIK : ?
Each letter moves 1 step: G+1 = H, I+1 = J, K+1 = L. Answer: HJL.

Example 3. AZ : BY :: CX : ?
The first letter goes forward 1 and the second goes backward 1: C+1 = D, X−1 = W. Answer: DW.

Example 4. CAT : ECV :: DOG : ?
Each letter moves 2 steps forward: D+2 = F, O+2 = Q, G+2 = I. Answer: FQI.

Example 5. ACE : ZXV :: BDF : ?
The opposite letters: B↔Y, D↔W, F↔U. Answer: YWU.

Example 6. BE : DG :: HK : ?
+2 each: H+2 = J, K+2 = M. Answer: JM.

Example 7. ABC : BDF :: GHI : ?
The change is +1, +2, +3: G+1 = H, H+2 = J, I+3 = L. Answer: HJL.

Example 8. XYZ : ABC :: UVW : ?
Each letter moves 3 steps forward with the wrap-around after Z: X+3 = A, Y+3 = B, Z+3 = C; so U+3 = X, V+3 = Y, W+3 = Z. Answer: XYZ.

Tricks

• Look for the same difference between the letters of the first pair; if all differences are equal, it is the same-step pattern.
• If the first letter of the pair goes forward and the second goes backward, it is the opposite-letter or the converging pattern.
• Remember the wrap-around: after Z comes A (for example Y+3 = B).
• Check the pattern for each position separately in the cluster analogies.
• Use the elimination by checking the first letter of each option.

Quick Tips

• Convert the letters to numbers to find the pattern quickly.
• Check the change at each position separately.
• Remember the wrap-around after Z.
• Remember the opposite letter rule: 27 minus the position.

Quick Revision Points

• AB : CD means +2 for each letter.
• Opposite letter of a position n letter is at 27 − n.
• After Z comes A (wrap-around).
• The pattern in the cluster may differ for each position.
• Use the options to eliminate quickly.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. AB : CD :: MN : ?
   Answer: OP
2. BD : CE :: FH : ?
   Answer: GI
3. ACE : BDF :: LMN : ?
   Answer: MNO
4. AZ : BY :: EV : ?
   Answer: FU
5. MN : OP :: QR : ?
   Answer: ST
6. CAT : ECV :: BAT : ?
   Answer: DCV
7. ACE : ZXV :: GIK : ?
   Answer: TRP
8. BE : DG :: PS : ?
   Answer: RU
9. ABC : CBA :: DEF : ?
   Answer: FED
10. A : C :: B : ?
    Answer: D

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Verbal Reasoning notes page, read the previous topic Letter Pair Counting and Alphabet Patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a letter analogy?

A question in which the relation between two letter groups is applied to a third group.

How do I find the pattern?

Write the positions of the letters and find the difference at each position.

What are opposite letters?

Letters at the same distance from the two ends of the alphabet, like A and Z.

What is the opposite letter of G?

T.

What happens after Z?

The count goes back to A.

What is the most common pattern?

A constant forward shift of each letter.

What is the difference between this and letter series?

An analogy compares two groups; a series continues a pattern in one line.

Is this topic asked in SSC?

Yes. Letter analogy is a regular question in SSC CGL, CHSL and MTS.

How much time should I take?

About 20 to 30 seconds.

How can I improve my speed?

By learning the positions of the letters and practising the opposite letters.

Can the pattern differ for each position?

Yes, in the cluster analogies each letter may change by a different step.

What is a reverse-order analogy?

An analogy in which the letters of the cluster are written in the opposite order.