Examples

Examples Many times you can determine the meaning of a term from examples. If you use your common sense, experience, and background knowledge to figure out what the examples have in common, you should have a good idea about the meaning of the main word or phrase. Signals That an Example Is Coming The signal words and phrases for example, for instance, examples include, such as, and including are usually accompanied by one or more examples. Sometimes the word like is also used as a signal of example. Be sure to label all containers with inflammable contents, such as gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, or natural gas. Gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, and natural gas all catch fire easily. They are examples of things that are inflammable. In this example, inflammable contents means contents that can catch fire easily. WHAT DO YOU KNOW? Try the next two examples yourself. Circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the italicized word. Use common sense and the context clues of example to help you decide. 1: That group of architects is known for designing many edifices, including houses, office high rises, hotels, and apartment complexes. (a) cabins (b) hospitals (c) buildings (d) roads
A1:	All of the examples are buildings. Edifices are buildings.
2:	The committee made many amendments to the agreement. For example, they increased the minimum pay, decreased the minimum hours, restricted the telephone service, and expanded the sales territories. (a) changes (b) provisions (c) additionschanges (d) amenitiesprovisions
A2:	All of the examples are changes; amendments are changes.

More Signals

Other example clues are signaled by the terms especially, particularly, in particular, and specifically. Also, watch for phrases like among the most (least, best, etc.) or signals of number.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? Circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the italicized word. 1: The company appreciated all the employees' endeavors to meet the deadline, especially the hours they worked nights and weekends. (a) efforts (b) positions

(c) thresholds

(d) entreatiespositions

A1:

This sentence gives working nights and weekends as an example of an endeavor; an endeavor is an effort.

2:

Among the most important benefits to the new employee were good health insurance coverage and sick leave.

(a) advantages or "extras" provided by an employer

(b) day care for workers' children

(c) compositions

(d) nurses in the building

A2:

The benefits listed are examples of advantages or "extras" provided by an employer.

A List as an Example

Sometimes, instead of a signal word, a list of examples is itself the signal.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? Circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the italicized word. Use common sense and the context clues of example to help you decide. 1: The most common forms of remuneration for work in that company are weekly salary and cash bonuses. (a) vacation (b) recognition

(c) pay

(d) schedule

A1:

The examples of remuneration are salary and bonuses. Remuneration is pay.

2:

The firm bought new machinery, new delivery vans, and a piece of property for a larger building. These acquisitions were costly and used all the firm's savings.

(a) positions

(b) trucks

(c) bills to pay

(d) newly obtained items

A2:

Machinery, vans, and property that are all new are listed as examples of acquisitions. Acquisitions are newly obtained items.

More on Examples

Like the other contextual clues you have learned, examples can help you decide between two or more meanings of a word that may already be familiar.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? The following examples use the word deductions with different meanings. Example clues will help you understand which way the word is being used. Circle the letter next to the answer that best defines the way deductions is used in each sentence. Use common sense and the context clues of example to help you decide. 1: The deductions from her paycheck included a health insurance premium, a charitable contribution, and income tax withholding. (a) additions of money (b) decisions

(c) hours worked

(d) amounts of money taken out

A1:

The examples of deductions are all amounts of money taken out of the check.

2:

Watsmith looked over the evidence. "From these clues, I have concluded that the thief was a man. I have figured out that the thief worked alone and that he wore gloves."

"Wonderful deductions, Watsmith!" exclaimed his friend.

(a) amounts taken out

(b) suit of clothes

(c) conclusions

(d) mystery

A2:

The examples of deductions are the conclusions that Watsmith reached based on the clues.