Using Words in Context
A Must for All Vocabulary Work
One sure fire way to send an English teacher to a premature grave or an early Happy
Hour is to play fast and loose with our children, that is the words, my friends. Respect
the words. Therefore, when you want to showcase your miraculous knowledge of and
facility with vocabulary, NEVER use words that do not DEMONSTRATE that
knowledge and ability.
Always use words in context.
Context clues are words and phrases in a sentence that help the reader reason out the
meaning of an unfamiliar word. Oftentimes you can figure out the meanings by paying
attention to the surrounding language. To prove you understand the word and how to use
it, you will write your vocabulary words in context on assignments and on tests.
Think of it this way: You want to make your meaning known to someone new to the
English language. You must create sentences that leave clues to the meaning of your
words. For although sentences like, “He is a sycophant” are correct, they do not begin to
provide meaning.
Vocabulary sentences serve as an excellent tool to practice not only the use of these
words but the discipline of writing as well. So keep your sentences:
 Short
 Simple
 Active
 Concise
 And free of taboo words and conventions.
 Only ONE sentence per word.
Some strategies for showing meaning include:
Type of Context
Clue
Antonym or
Contrast Clue
Definition
Signals
Examples
Phrases or words
that indicate the
opposite
but, in contrast,
however, instead of,
Definition or
Example Clue
Phrases or words
that define or
explain
Is defined as, means,
the term, [a term in
boldface or italics] set
off with commas
Unlike his quiet and
low key family,
Brad is garrulous.
Sedentary
Sedentary people
are those who are
inactive and very
rarely move.
General
Knowledge
The meaning is
derived from the
experience and
background
knowledge of the
reader’s "common
sense" and logic.
The information may
be something
basically familiar to
you
Alice always sucks
up to the boss, even
in front of others;
that sycophant does
not care what others
think of her.
Restatement or
Synonym Clue
Another word or
phrase with the
same or a similar
meaning is used.
In other word, that is,
also known as,
sometimes called, or
The dromedary,
commonly called a
camel, stores fat in
its hump (its lovely
lady hump)
But do not define by:
 Using “and” or “or”:
o He is superior and arrogant.
o A clear disparity, or difference, is evident between English Honors and
English CP

By using synonyms next to each other (makes the work redundant)
o She is happy, buoyant, and generally cheery.
o The abstruse, confusing paper baffled its audience.
o Due to her amenable, agreeable nature, the teacher was easily manipulated
by her more shady students.