Fill in the Blanks

At a glance 10 rules

1. 1Predict, then matchCover the options, find the clue in the sentence and put your own rough word in the blank. Then pick the option closest to it.
2. 2Signal words set directionBut, although, despite and yet flip the clue; and, moreover and also keep it; because, so and therefore make the blank match its cause or result.
3. 3The colon explainsA colon, a dash, 'that is' or a list restates the blank: 'the speech was ______: two hours and nothing new' asks for tedious.
4. 4Plus or minus firstDecide if the blank needs a positive or a negative word, strike every option with the wrong charge, then choose among the rest.
5. 5Easier blank firstWith two or three blanks, solve the one with the clearest clue, strike every set with a wrong word there, then test the rest. Every word must fit.
6. 6Grammar and partnersCheck the slot before the meaning: the part of speech, and the word's fixed partner (fail to do, an opportunity for, without precedent, heavy rain).
7. 7Shade and strengthNear-synonyms differ in charge and strength: bold or reckless, curious or nosy, unusual or bizarre. Pick the shade the clue supports.
8. 8Words that reverseBelie, far from, anything but and hardly turn a clue around: a cheerful post that belies a bad week hides the bad week.
9. 9Real point goes secondIn 'not so much X as Y' or 'less X than Y', Y is the writer's real point, so the clue that follows describes Y.
10. 10Logic beats topicThe option that only sounds like the topic is often the trap. Plug your choice back in and read the whole sentence once.