In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the option that is the best one-word substitute for the given group of words. The area near or surrounding a particular place

Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question asks for a term that describes "the area near or surrounding a particular place". Such a word is commonly used in everyday speech, directions, and descriptions. The precise English word that matches this definition is "vicinity".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Description: "The area near or surrounding a particular place".
• Options: Horizon, Vicinity, Distant, Removed.
• We assume the context is about geographical closeness to a certain location.
• Some options are adjectives, while one is a noun that directly names such an area.

Concept / Approach:
"Vicinity" is a noun meaning the area around a particular place; for example, "There are many shops in the vicinity of the station." It refers to nearby surroundings. "Horizon" describes the line where the earth and sky appear to meet, which is far away, not near. "Distant" and "removed" are adjectives indicating far away, not near. Thus, "vicinity" is the only word that directly expresses nearness to a specific place as required by the definition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key idea in the phrase: nearness or surrounding area of a particular place.Step 2: Check "vicinity". The dictionary meaning is exactly "the area near or surrounding a particular place".Step 3: Check "horizon". This refers to the apparent line where the sky meets the earth or sea, usually at a great distance.Step 4: Check "distant". This is an adjective meaning far away in space or time, the opposite of near.Step 5: Check "removed". This can mean far away or separated from something. All of these three alternatives imply distance, not nearness, so they cannot be correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the word in example sentences: "There is a hospital in the vicinity of my house" means there is a hospital nearby. "There is a hospital on the horizon" would mean it is far off in the distance, which is a different idea entirely. Similarly, if something is "distant" or "removed", it is not in the immediate area. These comparisons confirm that "vicinity" best matches the given description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Horizon", does not refer to the surrounding area near a place but to a far away line where the sky seems to meet the earth. Option C, "Distant", means far away or remote, which is the opposite of nearby. Option D, "Removed", also suggests being far away or detached from something. None of these options express the idea of nearness to a specified place, so they cannot be correct substitutes.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may be misled by the poetic feel of "horizon" or misunderstand it as the general environment, but it is always associated with distance. Others may not notice that "vicinity" is a noun while "distant" and "removed" are adjectives; the grammatical mismatch is another clue that those alternatives are wrong. To avoid errors, pay close attention both to the meaning and to the part of speech indicated by the phrase you are replacing.

Final Answer:
The best one word substitute for "the area near or surrounding a particular place" is Vicinity.