Can you transform this word triple
PELTS SORES DIVAN
into this word triple
PLOTS DIVES SANER
just by swapping pairs of letters?
You may swap any pair of letters you like, either between two words (e.g., TRIES
and NODES
can swap the "T" and the "D" to become DRIES
and NOTES
) or within the same word (e.g., MODES
can swap its own "M" with its own "D" to become DOMES
). However, after each swap, we should see a triple of English words.
Inevitably with this kind of puzzle, the question comes, "What exactly constitutes an English word? Which word list or dictionary should we use?" There is at least one solution to this puzzle using very common words, and at least one solution incorporating more obscure words. Either solution is acceptable, but you are encouraged toward the more common words because it is more fun for everyone.
Also acceptable are widely-used proper nouns and adjectives, such as DUTCH
, DANES
, SLAVS
, and WELSH
.
Bravo to @AxiomaticSystem for finding such a concise solution!
I have also presented an alternative solution using only the most common words for those who might be pursuing that path. It's not nearly as succinct.
PLOTS SANER DIVES
work? $\endgroup$