MEPX
Chapter 2 of 10All chapters
  1. 1Why context works
  2. 2The four clue types
  3. 3Word parts
  4. 4Shades of meaning
  5. 5Building vocabulary
  6. 6Vocabulary in exams
  7. 7Figurative use
  8. 8Academic and formal words
  9. 9Latin and Greek roots
  10. 10Keeping it

Chapter 2 of 10

The four clue types

What to look for.

Definition and restatement

The sentence explains the word directly, often after a comma, dash or that is. Watch for or, meaning, in other words and which is.

  • Punctuation frequently marks a restatement.
  • Textbooks define new terms in the sentence that introduces them.

Contrast, example and cause

But, however, though and despite signal an opposite. Such as and for instance give examples. Because and therefore link the word to a cause or a result. Each narrows the meaning differently.