Letter transformation puzzle: Change only the consonants in the word “MEAT” to the next <em>consonant</em> in the alphabet (keep vowels unchanged). Using the new four letters, how many meaningful English words can be formed (each letter used exactly once per word)?

Introduction / Context:
This classic transformation puzzle asks you to shift only consonants to their next consonant, skipping vowels, while leaving vowels unchanged. Then, with the new multiset of letters, you must count how many distinct, meaningful English words can be formed, using each letter exactly once. The base word is “MEAT.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Original letters: M (consonant), E (vowel), A (vowel), T (consonant).
• Vowels remain unchanged: E, A stay as E, A.
• Consonants move to the next consonant in alphabetic order (skip vowels): M → N (skip nothing in between), T → V (skip U since it is a vowel).

Concept / Approach:
Apply the consonant-only step: M→N, T→V, retain E and A. The new letter set is {N, E, A, V}. Now enumerate meaningful arrangements. Obvious candidates are VANE and NAVE, both standard English words. A quick check of other permutations (EVAN, AVEN, VNEA, etc.) either yields proper names or non-words, which we do not count for typical aptitude tests. Therefore, exactly two valid words can be formed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Transform consonants: M→N, T→V; keep vowels E, A.2) New multiset: N, E, A, V.3) List permutations and filter to dictionary words: NAVE, VANE.4) Count valid outcomes: 2.

Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-checking common dictionaries confirms nave (central part of a church) and vane (blade or weather-vane fin) as legitimate words. No other everyday dictionary words exist from these four letters.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“None/One/Three” miscount; exactly two standard dictionary words fit.

Common Pitfalls:
Misreading the rule as “next letter” (including vowels) would make T→U and destroy word formation; the standard puzzle intent is “next consonant.”

Final Answer:
Two