Context Clues

“During the thunderstorm, we couldn't play outside because the conditions were dismal.”

"Her excuse for turning in her work late was so feeble that they knew she was lying."

“As Gerald walked home with the stolen money, strong feelings of remorse ate at his stomach.”

"The garrulous boy rambled on continuously as he told his mother about his day."

“It is difficult to sustain a smile if your whole world is falling apart.”

“My parents argued over what color napkins to buy, but I don't worry about frivolous things.”

"He never gives up; he is as headstrong as a bull."

"My younger brother is so malleable, he'll do anything I tell him to."

"Missing school because you're sick is valid, but missing school to see a concert is not."

"I don't have time to hear the whole story, so please, give me a more concise version."

"Since I am afraid of heights, I am reluctant to ride that roller coaster."

“Everyone had been talking, but they became quiet and solemn as the president stood to speak.” 

"I almost gave up, but decided to persevere and try anyway."

"She spoke so quietly on stage that her voice was not audible."

"He quivered when he thought about giving his speech before the crowd."

"I feel so harried after working all day with no sleep."

"It was a grueling task to finish the race; everyone was tired and sweaty at the finish line."

“Jim joked so much that when he talked about his accident, they didn’t think he was earnest.”

"She felt as bewildered as a lost time-traveler."

"When the dog broke away from his leash, he ran happily unrestrained down the street."

“Unlike Bob, who was always acted like he was in a bad mood, Dmitri was jovial and outgoing.”

"She was very meticulous in her work, double-checking even the smallest details."

“When Sam cut her finger, she started acting melodramatic, crying and asking for a doctor.”

“Grandpa didn’t know that Sue was coming along on the trip, so now he had to alter his plans.”

"I don't believe she really believes that. I think that's hogwash."

“If we watch Dancing with the Stars instead of his favorite show, my dad will be discontent.”

"The light in the workshop was as luminous as the sun on a summer day."

"If someone is trying to provoke you, it's usually better to walk away than to fight back."

"Her mean older brother hectored her so much that she began to cry."

"I could use some more water, for I am as parched as a flower in the desert."

"Her stories were always so outlandish - one time, she claimed she was abducted by aliens!"

"Cell phones are illicit items in the classroom."

"We were asked to vacate the store because it had closed five minutes ago."

“My grandma’s demeanor was such that people thought she was rude when she was just honest.”

“Lydia would have tried to walk home, had it not been for the immense mountain in the way."

"It has been a very brutal summer with very hot temperatures."

“Pedro thought he could avoid any test by feigning an illness and staying home from school.”

"The large multitude at the football game wore a variety of different jerseys and team colors."

"The fifty pound pumpkin was gargantuan in size."

“When Charlene's friends tasted her cookies, she was flooded with inquiries for her recipe.”