Context Clues

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Context clues can help you figure out the meaning of a word or phrase you don’t know. These clues can be found in the words and sentences surrounding the unknown word or phrase.

Sometimes a writer uses signal words that indicate a certain type of context clue. 

Here are some different types of content clues you might come across as you read.

Definition Clues

Definition: Words such as means or is may signal a definition.

Word: bicameral

Example: The U.S. Congress is bicameral, which means it has two chambers or houses.

Example Clues

Signal Words: Such as and other may signal examples.

Example: obligations

  • Council members have many obligations, such as going to meetings and reading about laws.
Restatement Clues

Signal Words: Look for signal words such as which is and or.

Example: flawless

  • The insect’s camouflage was flawless, or perfect.
Cause and Effect Clues

Signal Words: Because, so that, and in order to signal a cause/effect relationship.

Example: surrender

  • The army had to surrender because the other side won.
Comparison Clues

Signal Words: Like, unlike, but, not, in contrast to, similar to, and in the same way signal a comparison in the text.

Example: ecstatic

  • Voters in this state were ecstatic about the result of the election, unlike the unhappy voters in some other states.