Context clues are hints found within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that a reader can use to understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words. They are essential tools for writers, readers, and pretty much anybody interested in making sense of the world. Context clues can be broken down into several different types, including:

• Definition/Description Clue: The new term may be formally defined, or sufficient explanation may be given within the sentence or in the following sentence. Clues to definition include “that is,” commas, dashes, and parentheses.

• Synonym Clue: A synonym, or word with the same meaning, is used in the sentence.

• Antonym Clue: A word or group of words that has the opposite meaning reveals the meaning of an unknown term.

• Cause and Effect Clue: The author explains the reason for or the result of the word. Words like “because,” “since,” “therefore,” “thus,” “so,” etc. may signal context clues.

• Experience Clue: An experience clue draws upon personal experience or background knowledge to help you infer the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

• Adjacent Clue: An adjacent clue is a word or phrase in a nearby sentence that explains the meaning of the unfamiliar word.

Context clues are important because most of our vocabulary is gained through reading, and they give readers the ability to make sense of words of which they don’t know the meaning. By recognizing and taking advantage of context clues, readers can understand the meanings of new or unfamiliar words without having to consult a dictionary.