Monday, January 9, 2012

Context Clues 3. Contrast Clues

Antonyms -- words and phrases that mean the opposite of a word -- are also useful context clues.  They are often signaled by words and phrases such as however, but, yet, on the other hand, and in contrast.

Examples:
Many politicians do not give succinct answers to questions, but long, vague ones.
      An answer that is succinct would not be long and vague, so it must be short and clear.

While Irma's home is decorated plainly, her clothing is very flamboyant.

See Friday, February 27, 2012.
Thanks to Improving Reading Comprehension Skills by Langan, Cader, and Anton. 

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