Use the Clues
Read each sentence. Use the clues to figure out the bold word. Circle what it means.
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This is sheet #81624601.
How to do it
- Read the sentence.
- Find the clue words around the bold word.
- Circle what the bold word means.
Teaching tip
Try each choice in place of the bold word. The right one keeps the sentence making sense. This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.3.4a.
About this worksheet
Sentences with a bold word like enormous or timid. Circle its meaning from three choices.
What kids practice
Context clues are the words around a new word that help explain what it means. A sentence might define the word, give a synonym or an opposite, or list examples. Third graders use these clues to figure out unknown words and to tell which meaning a multiple-meaning word has in a sentence.
Watch for
- Guessing from the first letters of the word instead of the clues.
- Missing an opposite clue, like "not brave," and guessing the reverse meaning.
- Using only the most common meaning of a multiple-meaning word.
It's free to print, with Fewer, Standard or More on the page and an answer key. See the full context clues guide for 3rd grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. Context Clues ChartDefinition, synonym, antonym and example clues, each with a sample sentence and the clue underlined. 
3. Find the ClueUnderline the words in each sentence that help explain the bold word.
4. Write the MeaningWrite your own meaning for each bold word on a handwriting line.
5. Multiple-Meaning WordsWords like bat, bark and trunk used two ways. Decide which meaning each sentence uses.