lesson

A synonym must fit the context

1 · Learn

A dictionary explains meanings and may show word class and pronunciation. A thesaurus suggests related words, but related words are not interchangeable in every sentence. Check tone and strength as well as basic meaning.

'The child was curious about the machine' differs from 'a curious shape': curious can suggest interest or strangeness. Choose the relevant sense before replacing it.

MeaningWord classContextStrength and tone
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

For 'walked quietly', crept may suggest careful or secret movement. I choose it only if that implication fits the scene; a longer word is not automatically better.

3 · Your turn

Would furious be an exact replacement for slightly annoyed? Explain.

Check your answer

No. Furious is much stronger and would change the emotional intensity.

4 · Apply your learning

Revise two sentences using a thesaurus, then explain one suggested word you deliberately rejected.

Adult guidance and safety

Read the supplied text together if needed. Accept well-supported alternative interpretations, not invented evidence. Use wider whole books, poems and plays alongside these short original models; provide specific feedback on writing and revisit spelling over time.

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