How can context clues help?

Writers often leave clues for readers to find. These clues help readers understand the meaning of new words or concepts. Using these clues will give you a general idea about the meaning of new words. Looking in the dictionary is still the best way to discover the exact meaning and use of a word.

Writers will leave clues in specific parts of sentences and paragraphs. Look for context clues in the following places:

1. Immediately after a new word
   
   Writers often rename a person, a thing, or an idea. This information is found between commas. Read these examples.
   
   Plants from the Acer family, maple trees and shrubs, are found on every continent.
   
   
2. Before or after a new word
   
   Phrases or clauses contain extra information. They are separated from the main part of a sentence by punctuation.
   
   The government provides funds to the CBC, which allow the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to provide radio and television programming.
   
   
3. In the following sentence
   
   Writers may give a definition for a new wording in a following sentence. Look at the example.
   
   The Marven’s Building is well known to many Monctonians. The historic building located on Factory Lane was the site of the Marven’s bakery before being turned into office and retail space.