In alphabetical filing of Pittman, Phillips, Pham, and Phipps, which surname would be filed second?

In alphabetical filing of Pittman, Phillips, Pham, and Phipps, which surname would be filed second?

• A. Pittman
• B. Phillips
• C. Pham
• D. Phipps

Answer: (D)

In alphabetical filing, you compare surnames letter by letter. Since all four start with P, look at the next letters to decide the order. Second letter: names starting with Ph come before those starting with Pi, because H comes before I. So Pittman goes after any of the Ph- starting names. Among the Ph- group, look at the third letter: Pham has A, while Phillips and Phipps have I. A comes before I, so Pham is first. Between Phillips and Phipps, the first three letters are P-H-I for both, so you compare the fourth letter: Phillips has L, while Phipps has P. L comes before P, so Phillips comes before Phipps. Therefore the second surname in filing order is Phillips. Pittman would come after all the Ph- names.

In alphabetical filing, you compare surnames letter by letter. Since all four start with P, look at the next letters to decide the order.

Second letter: names starting with Ph come before those starting with Pi, because H comes before I. So Pittman goes after any of the Ph- starting names.

Among the Ph- group, look at the third letter: Pham has A, while Phillips and Phipps have I. A comes before I, so Pham is first.

Between Phillips and Phipps, the first three letters are P-H-I for both, so you compare the fourth letter: Phillips has L, while Phipps has P. L comes before P, so Phillips comes before Phipps.

Therefore the second surname in filing order is Phillips. Pittman would come after all the Ph- names.