Classification – Odd one out (letter blocks): Which four-letter block is unlike the others: VNHK, NQMJ, NBJM, MONR?

Introduction / Context:
This is a verbal classification question on four-letter blocks. Most items share a stronger common feature, while exactly one violates it. The robust way to solve these is to test simple, high-signal properties first (vowel vs. consonant composition, alphabetical direction, fixed-step jumps) before considering subtler patterns.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Blocks: VNHK, NQMJ, NBJM, MONR.
• Standard English alphabet; A, E, I, O, U are vowels; the rest are consonants.

Concept / Approach:
Start with the cleanest discriminator. If three blocks are made entirely of consonants and one contains a vowel, that vowel-bearing block is the outlier. This criterion is categorical (present/absent) and trumps noisier numeric jump checks when it separates a 3-to-1 split cleanly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
VNHK → V, N, H, K: all consonants.NQMJ → N, Q, M, J: all consonants.NBJM → N, B, J, M: all consonants.MONR → M, O, N, R: contains O, which is a vowel.

Verification / Alternative check:
Secondary checks (like increasing or decreasing jumps) show mixed, inconsistent step sizes across several options and do not yield a crisp 3-to-1 split. The vowel test, however, isolates exactly one item: MONR.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• VNHK: four consonants, matches the majority class.
• NQMJ: four consonants, matches the majority class.
• NBJM: four consonants, matches the majority class.

Common Pitfalls:
Overfitting to arithmetic letter jumps can create false patterns. Prefer categorical features that deliver a unique outlier cleanly. Here, vowel presence is decisive.

Final Answer:
MONR