Words in context
Use the sentence, not your first definition, to decide what a word means here.
The rules
- Cover the word and predict a replacement that fits the sentence.
- Then test each choice by plugging it in. The right one keeps the sentence's meaning.
- Common words (run, cover, charge, fair) often have uncommon meanings in these questions.
- Check the sentence before and after for clues such as contrast words (but, however).
Watch out: Choosing the most familiar meaning of a word that has a different meaning here.
Worked example
"The senator's argument carried weight with the committee." Here, "carried weight" most nearly means:
- The committee was affected by the argument.
- Substitute "had influence."
- It fits.
Answer: had influence.
Try it yourself
Practice questions for this skill are for signed-in students. A free account is all you need.