A clue is like a small piece of a puzzle.
It helps you guess something.
If you lose your toy, a clue could be where you last saw it.
Police use clues to find who did a crime.
A clue can also help you find an answer to a question.
A clue is like a small piece of a puzzle that helps you solve a bigger problem or mystery. Imagine you are trying to find a hidden treasure; a clue would be a hint or a piece of information that leads you closer to it. For example, if you are reading a detective story, the detective looks for clues to find out who committed the crime. So, a clue gives you a suggestion or evidence to understand something difficult or find an answer.
A clue, at a C1 level of understanding, refers to any piece of information or evidence that serves to guide one towards the resolution of a complex problem, mystery, or investigation. This can encompass tangible objects, subtle indications, or abstract insights that, when properly interpreted, illuminate a path to discovery or comprehension. It functions as a critical element in deductive reasoning, enabling individuals to construct a coherent narrative or solution from disparate data points. The efficacy of a clue often lies in its capacity to redirect assumptions or confirm hypotheses, thereby facilitating a breakthrough in understanding or progress.
A clue, at an advanced linguistic level, denotes an item or piece of information that serves to guide one towards the resolution of a puzzle, the understanding of a complex situation, or the identification of a perpetrator in a criminal investigation.
It functions as a critical signpost, often subtle, that necessitates astute observation and inferential reasoning for its full significance to be grasped.
Beyond its forensic application, the term extends to any hint or indication that facilitates comprehension or discovery, underpinning a broader spectrum of intellectual pursuits.
Thus, a clue is not merely data, but a pivotal element that, when correctly interpreted, unlocks deeper meaning or reveals a hidden truth, driving narrative progression or analytical breakthroughs.
§ Understanding 'Clue'
The word 'clue' is a versatile noun that plays a significant role in communication, problem-solving, and storytelling. At its core, a clue refers to a piece of evidence or information that helps in the process of discovery or resolution. This could be in the context of a thrilling mystery, a challenging puzzle, or even navigating the complexities of everyday life.
- DEFINITION
- A clue is a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solving of a mystery. It can also refer to a hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a difficult situation or find an answer to a question.
Imagine a detective meticulously examining a crime scene; every unusual object, every faint footprint, every witness statement becomes a potential clue, guiding them closer to the truth. Similarly, when you're trying to figure out a riddle, the words themselves are clues, prompting you to think creatively and logically.
The detective found a vital clue at the crime scene, a small, silver button.
The usage of 'clue' extends beyond formal investigations. In casual conversation, we often use it to describe a hint or a suggestion that aids understanding. For example, if someone is struggling with a complex math problem, a teacher might offer a 'clue' to help them find the solution without giving away the entire answer. This subtle guidance empowers the learner to arrive at the conclusion independently.
Can you give me a clue about what you want for your birthday? I'm completely stumped!
§ When Do People Use 'Clue'?
People use the word 'clue' in various scenarios, highlighting its adaptability and relevance across different contexts. Here are some common situations:
- Solving Mysteries and Crimes: This is perhaps the most stereotypical use of 'clue'. From fictional detectives to real-life forensic experts, clues are the bread and butter of investigations.
- Playing Games and Puzzles: Crossword puzzles, escape rooms, and board games often rely on clues to guide players towards a solution. The challenge lies in interpreting these clues correctly.
- Learning and Education: Teachers and mentors frequently provide clues to help students grasp difficult concepts or solve problems, fostering independent thinking.
- Everyday Problem-Solving: Whether it's finding lost keys (a misplaced item might be a clue to their location) or understanding a friend's mood (their body language might offer a clue), 'clue' is part of our daily vocabulary.
- Making Deductions and Inferences: When you observe something and draw a conclusion based on that observation, the observation itself acts as a clue.
The word 'clue' can also be used in phrases. For instance, 'not have a clue' means to have no idea or knowledge about something. This idiomatic expression is quite common in informal English.
I don't have a clue how to fix this computer; it's completely beyond me!
Another common phrase is 'to give someone a clue,' which means to provide a hint or some information that helps them understand something. This reinforces the idea of 'clue' as an aid to comprehension.
In summary, 'clue' is a fundamental word for anyone learning English at a B1 level. Its core meaning revolves around helpful information for solving problems or understanding situations. Recognizing its various applications and common phrases will significantly enhance your ability to comprehend and communicate effectively.
§ Understanding "Clue" as a Noun
The word "clue" is primarily used as a noun, and it has a couple of distinct but related meanings. At its core, a clue refers to a piece of evidence or information that helps solve a mystery, a crime, or a difficult problem. It can also be a hint or suggestion.
- Definition 1
- A piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solving of a mystery.
The detective found a crucial clue at the crime scene.
Without any clues, solving the puzzle felt impossible.
- Definition 2
- A hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a difficult situation or find an answer to a question.
Can you give me a clue about the answer?
Her sudden silence was a clue that something was wrong.
§ Common Phrases and Prepositions with "Clue"
When using "clue" in a sentence, there are several common phrases and prepositions that often accompany it. Understanding these will help you use the word more naturally and accurately.
- A clue to something/someone: This is used to indicate what the clue is helping to solve or understand.
The old map provided a clue to the hidden treasure.
His strange behavior offered no clue to his real intentions.
- A clue about something: Similar to "a clue to," this phrase is also used to refer to the subject of the clue.
Do you have any clues about what she wants for her birthday?
- To give a clue: This phrase means to provide a hint or a piece of information.
The teacher refused to give us any more clues for the scavenger hunt.
- To drop a clue: This phrase is similar to "to give a clue," but it can imply a more subtle or indirect way of giving information.
She dropped a clue about her upcoming surprise party.
- Not have a clue: This informal idiom means to have no idea or no information at all about something.
I don't have a clue what you're talking about.
§ Grammatical Considerations
"Clue" is a countable noun, meaning it can be preceded by articles like "a," "an," or "the," and it has a plural form. It often functions as the object of a verb or a prepositional phrase.
- As a direct object:
The police found another clue in the suspect's car.
- In a prepositional phrase:
The riddle contained a hidden clue for the next step.
By understanding these uses and common phrases, you can confidently incorporate "clue" into your English vocabulary and communicate more effectively, especially when discussing mysteries, problems, or hints.
§ Where you actually hear this word
The word 'clue' is quite versatile and can appear in various contexts. Understanding these different environments will help you grasp its nuances and use it more effectively.
§ In the Workplace
In a professional setting, 'clue' often refers to information that helps solve a problem or understand a situation. It's frequently used when trying to identify the cause of an issue, whether it's a technical glitch, a sales decline, or a project delay.
The error message gave us a crucial clue about what was causing the system to crash.
We're still looking for any clues that could explain why our sales dropped last quarter.
You might also hear it in a more informal sense, like when someone expresses a lack of understanding:
I haven't got a clue how to fix this, do you?
§ In Educational Settings (School)
In schools, 'clue' is frequently used in subjects that involve problem-solving, such as science, mathematics, or even literature. Teachers might give students clues to help them understand a concept or solve a puzzle.
The professor gave us a few clues to help us figure out the answer to the complex math problem.
Reading between the lines of the poem can often provide important clues about the author's message.
It's also common in games or activities designed to test knowledge or critical thinking:
During the scavenger hunt, each location had a clue leading to the next one.
§ In the News
News reports frequently use 'clue' when discussing investigations, whether they are criminal, scientific, or social. It suggests that there are pieces of information that, when put together, can reveal the truth or lead to an arrest or discovery.
Police are appealing for any clues that could help them solve the mysterious disappearance.
Scientists have found new genetic clues that could lead to a breakthrough in cancer research.
The word also appears when journalists are reporting on political or economic situations, looking for signs or indications of future events:
The latest economic data offers a clue about the direction of the market.
No matter the context, 'clue' consistently implies a piece of information that helps to unravel something unknown or resolve a difficulty. It can be a vital piece of evidence, a subtle hint, or a significant indicator. Paying attention to these contexts will help you better understand and use this word in your own communication.
- Synonyms
- hint, indicator, evidence, sign, lead, suggestion
- Related Phrases
- get a clue (informal, meaning to understand a situation)
- not have a clue (informal, meaning to have no idea)
- follow a clue
- find a clue
§ Common Mistakes with "Clue"
The word "clue" is a versatile noun that refers to a piece of evidence or information that helps solve a mystery or understand a situation. While seemingly straightforward, learners often make several common mistakes when using it. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve your English proficiency at a B1 level and beyond.
§ 1. Confusing "Clue" with "Hint" or "Tip"
While "clue" can sometimes be synonymous with "hint" or "tip," especially in the context of helping someone understand a difficult situation or find an answer, there's a subtle but important distinction. A "clue" often implies something more directly related to solving a problem or mystery, usually requiring some deduction or investigation. A "hint" is often a more direct suggestion, and a "tip" is practical advice.
- DEFINITION
- A clue is a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solving of a mystery. It can also refer to a hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a difficult situation or find an answer to a question.
The detective found a significant clue at the crime scene.
She gave me a hint about the answer, but I still couldn't figure it out.
§ 2. Incorrect Preposition Usage
The word "clue" often pairs with specific prepositions, and misusing them is a common error. The most common prepositions used with "clue" are "to" and "about."
- Clue to: This is typically used when the clue helps lead you directly to something, often an answer or solution.
- Clue about: This is used when the clue provides information regarding a topic or situation.
The ancient map provided a clue to the hidden treasure.
Do you have any clues about what might be causing the problem?
Avoid using prepositions like "for" or "of" directly after "clue" when you mean "clue to" or "clue about." While grammatically possible in some constructions, it's less common and can sound awkward.
§ 3. Using "Clue" as a Verb
"Clue" is primarily a noun. While there is a less common phrasal verb "clue in" (meaning to inform someone), learners often incorrectly try to use "clue" directly as a verb in other contexts. For instance, you wouldn't say "He clued me the answer." Instead, you would use verbs like "told," "informed," or "revealed."
The professor gave us a clue during the lecture.
Incorrect example: He clued me the answer.
Correct alternative: He told me the answer. / He gave me a clue about the answer.
They didn't clue me in about the change of plans.
§ 4. Overuse or Redundancy
Sometimes learners overuse "clue" or use it redundantly in sentences where other words would be more natural or precise. For example, instead of saying "I need a clue to solve this puzzle," you could also say "I need some help to solve this puzzle" or "I need some information to solve this puzzle," depending on the specific context.
The broken window was a clear clue that someone had broken in.
§ 5. Misunderstanding "Not have a clue"
The idiom "not have a clue" means to have no idea or no information about something. Learners sometimes interpret this too literally or struggle with its idiomatic meaning. It's a common and natural way to express complete lack of knowledge.
When asked about the new project, he admitted he didn't have a clue.
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can use "clue" more accurately and confidently in your English communication. Pay attention to its function as a noun, the prepositions it typically takes, and its idiomatic expressions to master its usage.
How Formal Is It?
"The forensic indicator suggested the presence of an unknown assailant."
"She gave me a hint to help solve the puzzle."
"The detective got a new lead on the case."
"We found a trace of the missing toy under the bed."
"I had an inkling that something was wrong."
難易度
The word is short and common, but understanding its dual meaning (crime/mystery vs. hint/suggestion) might require a bit more cognitive effort than a single-meaning word.
A short and common word, relatively easy to spell and use in simple sentences.
Pronunciation is straightforward with one syllable.
Common word with clear pronunciation, unlikely to be misheard.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
レベル別の例文
The detective found a shoe print, which was a very important clue.
A shoe print helped the detective.
Here, 'clue' is a singular count noun.
Can you give me a clue about the answer to the riddle?
Please give me a hint for the riddle.
'Give me a clue' is a common phrase meaning 'give me a hint'.
The missing piece of the puzzle was the final clue.
The last part of the puzzle was the clue.
The adjective 'final' describes 'clue'.
There were many clues, but the police still couldn't solve the case.
Even with many hints, the police could not solve it.
'Clues' is the plural form of 'clue'.
She followed every clue to find her lost cat.
She used all hints to find her cat.
'Followed every clue' means she investigated each piece of information.
The broken window was a clue that someone had entered the house.
A broken window showed someone was inside.
'A clue that...' indicates what the clue suggests.
I need a clue to help me understand this difficult math problem.
I need a hint for the hard math problem.
'To help me understand' explains the purpose of the clue.
The teacher gave the students a clue for the quiz question.
The teacher gave a hint for the test.
'Gave a clue' is similar to 'gave a hint'.
The detective found a crucial clue at the crime scene, a single strand of hair, which he hoped would lead him to the culprit.
Crucial (key, vital), culprit (guilty person)
Using 'which' to introduce a non-defining relative clause, adding extra information about the clue.
Despite hours of searching, they couldn't find a single clue that would explain the sudden disappearance of the ancient artifact.
Ancient artifact (old object of historical interest)
Using 'despite' to introduce a contrast, followed by a noun phrase.
The cryptic message contained a hidden clue that only a skilled code-breaker could decipher, leading them closer to the treasure.
Cryptic (mysterious, puzzling), decipher (decode, interpret)
Using 'only' to emphasize the exclusivity of the action.
When she couldn't solve the riddle, her friend gave her a subtle clue, hinting at the answer without giving it away entirely.
Riddle (puzzle, conundrum), subtle (indirect, not obvious), hinting at (suggesting)
Using a participial phrase ('hinting at the answer') to provide additional information.
The scientists were excited to discover a new clue in their research that suggested a breakthrough in understanding the disease.
Breakthrough (significant discovery or development)
Using 'that' to introduce a relative clause modifying 'clue'.
He felt he was getting closer to the truth, as each piece of information he gathered seemed like another valuable clue.
Gathered (collected), valuable (important, precious)
Using 'as' to indicate a cause or reason, or simultaneous action.
The professor offered a helpful clue during the challenging exam, guiding the students towards the correct method of solving the problem.
Challenging (difficult), guiding (leading, directing)
Using a present participle ('guiding') as an adjective or part of a participial phrase.
Without a single clue to follow, the police struggled to make any progress in their investigation of the complex fraud case.
Struggled (had difficulty), complex (complicated), fraud case (case involving deception)
Using 'without' to express absence or lack of something, followed by a noun phrase.
慣用句と表現
"not have a clue"
To have no knowledge or understanding about something.
When it comes to fixing cars, I don't have a clue.
informal"a clue to a mystery"
A piece of information that helps to solve a mystery.
The old diary provided a crucial clue to the mystery of the missing jewels.
neutral"get a clue"
To understand a situation or what is really happening, often used as an imperative to someone who is being naive or foolish.
He keeps saying she likes him, but he needs to get a clue; she's clearly not interested.
informal"follow a clue"
To investigate a piece of information in order to solve a problem or mystery.
The detectives followed every clue, hoping to find the missing person.
neutral"drop a clue"
To give a hint or a piece of information, often subtly.
She kept dropping clues about what she wanted for her birthday, but he still didn't get it.
informal"pick up on a clue"
To notice or become aware of a hint or piece of information.
He didn't pick up on any of the clues I was giving him about the surprise party.
neutral"without a clue"
Having no idea or understanding.
She walked into the exam without a clue about the first question.
informal"give someone a clue"
To provide someone with a hint or information.
Can you give me a clue about what you want for dinner tonight?
neutral"a vital clue"
A very important piece of evidence or information.
The witness's statement provided a vital clue in the investigation.
formal"clue someone in"
To inform someone about a situation or details they are unaware of.
I had to clue him in on what had been happening while he was away.
informalヒント
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words within a sentence or phrase. This helps you understand how 'clue' is used naturally.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore words with similar meanings (e.g., hint, lead, evidence) and opposite meanings (though direct antonyms for 'clue' are less common, think of 'misinformation' or 'red herring' in a mystery context) to broaden your vocabulary.
Visual Association
When you think of 'clue', try to picture a detective finding a magnifying glass next to a footprint. Visuals aid memory.
Sentence Construction
Practice creating your own sentences using 'clue'. For example, 'The detective found a crucial clue at the crime scene.'
Storytelling
Invent a short story or scenario where 'clue' plays a significant role. This helps to internalize the word's meaning and usage in a memorable way. Think of a mystery novel.
Real-world Application
Pay attention to how 'clue' is used in English media, like news articles, TV shows, or movies, especially crime or mystery genres.
Etymology (Optional but Helpful)
Understanding the origin of 'clue' (from 'clew' meaning a ball of thread used to find one's way) can sometimes provide a deeper understanding, especially for those interested in language history. It's like finding a historical breadcrumb.
Pronunciation Practice
Practice saying 'clue' aloud to solidify its pronunciation. Listen to native speakers say it if possible. It rhymes with 'blue'.
Flashcards and Repetition
Create a flashcard for 'clue' with its definition and an example sentence. Review it regularly using spaced repetition. Make sure to put the definition on the back of the card.
Interactive Quizzes
Look for online quizzes or exercises that test your knowledge of 'clue' and similar vocabulary. Engaging with the word actively helps retention. Find a quiz where you have to fill in the blanks.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
Detectives often look for clues at a crime scene to help them solve the case.
- look for clues
- crime scene
- solve the case
The detective found a crucial clue that led him to the suspect.
- found a crucial clue
- led him to the suspect
I finally figured out the answer to the puzzle after finding one last clue.
- figured out the answer
- puzzle
- finding one last clue
The teacher gave us a clue to help us with the difficult math problem.
- gave us a clue
- difficult math problem
- help us with
Without a single clue, it was impossible to guess who had eaten the last cookie.
- without a single clue
- impossible to guess
- eaten the last cookie
会話のきっかけ
"What's the most interesting mystery you've ever tried to solve, either real or fictional, and what clues did you have?"
"Have you ever been on a treasure hunt or played a game where you had to follow clues? What was it like?"
"Do you enjoy detective stories or shows? What makes a good clue in those narratives?"
"Can you think of a time when a small clue helped you understand a big situation or problem?"
"If you were a detective, what kind of clues would you be exceptionally good at finding or interpreting?"
日記のテーマ
Describe a time when you felt like you were missing a crucial clue to understand something important. What was the situation, and did you ever find the missing piece?
Imagine you're writing a mystery novel. What would be a clever and unexpected clue you'd include to keep your readers guessing?
Reflect on how you approach problem-solving in your daily life. Do you actively look for 'clues' or hints to guide you?
Think about a personal challenge you've faced. Were there any subtle 'clues' along the way that, in hindsight, could have helped you navigate it better?
Write about a time you gave someone a 'clue' to help them, and how they reacted. Was it helpful, or did it confuse them more?
よくある質問
10 問A clue is a piece of evidence or information that helps solve a crime, a mystery, or understand a difficult situation.
Certainly! If detectives find a footprint at a crime scene, that footprint is a clue that can help them identify the criminal.
Not at all! While often associated with crime, a clue can also be a hint or suggestion that helps you find an answer to a question or understand a difficult situation in everyday life.
They are quite similar! A clue often implies something more concrete or direct that helps you solve a problem, while a hint can be a more subtle suggestion or indirect piece of information.
You could say, 'The secret message was a vital clue to finding the hidden treasure.'
Sometimes it can be used informally to mean 'understanding' or 'knowledge', especially in phrases like 'I don't have a clue' (meaning 'I don't know at all').
In a way, yes! If a person's testimony or presence provides key information, they could be considered a source of a clue.
It's generally neutral. A clue itself isn't positive or negative; it's simply information that can lead to a discovery, which could be good or bad depending on the context.
Yes, there can be! You might hear about 'physical clues' like fingerprints, or 'verbal clues' like a specific phrase someone said.
The plural form of clue is 'clues'.
自分をテスト 54 問
Listen carefully to the word 'clue'.
The word 'clue' is used as a hint.
Listen for 'clue' at the end of the sentence.
Read this aloud:
I need a clue.
Focus: /kluː/
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
That is a good clue.
Focus: /ɡʊd kluː/
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Do you have any clues?
Focus: /ˈklus/
あなたの回答：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The detective found a important ___ at the crime scene that helped him solve the case.
A 'clue' is a piece of evidence that helps solve a mystery or crime.
Can you give me a ___ about what the answer to this riddle is? I'm completely stuck!
In this context, 'clue' means a hint or suggestion to help find an answer.
When you are trying to understand a difficult text, looking for keywords can be a good ___.
Keywords act as hints or suggestions, which is another meaning of 'clue'.
If you find a 'clue' to a treasure, it means you have found the treasure itself.
A 'clue' is a piece of information that helps you find something, not the thing itself.
A 'clue' can be something that helps you understand a complicated situation.
The definition states that a 'clue' can refer to a hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a difficult situation.
If someone gives you a 'clue' about a surprise party, they are telling you all the details of the party.
A 'clue' is usually a hint, not the full details. It helps you guess or figure something out.
Imagine you are a detective. Describe a scene where you find a crucial clue that helps you solve a mystery. What is the clue and how does it help?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
As I walked into the dusty library, a glint under a bookshelf caught my eye. It was a small, silver locket. This locket was the missing clue; it belonged to the victim's estranged sister, who was the main suspect. Finding it here meant she was at the crime scene, which helped me piece together the puzzle.
Think about a time you tried to solve a difficult problem or understand something confusing. What was the 'clue' that finally helped you figure it out? Describe the situation and the clue.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I was trying to fix my computer, but I couldn't figure out why it wasn't turning on. I checked all the cables, but nothing seemed wrong. Then, I saw a small, blinking light on the power supply. That blinking light was the clue! It indicated a power issue, and I realized I needed a new power cord.
Someone has left you a series of clues to find a hidden treasure. Write a short paragraph describing one of these clues and what it makes you think of.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The first clue was a faded drawing of an old oak tree with an 'X' marked on its trunk. This immediately made me think of the old oak tree in my grandmother's backyard, where we used to play hide-and-seek. I felt excited, knowing the treasure might be hidden there.
What was the only clue Detective Miller found?
Read this passage:
Detective Miller was investigating a strange case. A valuable painting had disappeared from a secure museum. There were no signs of forced entry, and the security cameras showed nothing unusual. However, as the detective examined the empty frame, he noticed a tiny, almost invisible scratch on the wall behind it. This small scratch was the only clue he had.
What was the only clue Detective Miller found?
The passage explicitly states that 'This small scratch was the only clue he had.'
The passage explicitly states that 'This small scratch was the only clue he had.'
What helped Sarah solve the crossword puzzle?
Read this passage:
Sarah was trying to solve a crossword puzzle, but she was stuck on one word. The clue was 'A large, furry animal that lives in the mountains.' She thought about different animals, but none seemed to fit. Then, her friend mentioned bears, and suddenly, the answer clicked. The word was 'bear'.
What helped Sarah solve the crossword puzzle?
The passage states that 'her friend mentioned bears, and suddenly, the answer clicked,' indicating her friend's suggestion was the clue.
The passage states that 'her friend mentioned bears, and suddenly, the answer clicked,' indicating her friend's suggestion was the clue.
What was a significant clue on the ancient map?
Read this passage:
The ancient map was difficult to read, but it promised a hidden treasure. One of the most important clues on the map was a symbol of a rising sun next to a river. The explorers knew they had to find a specific spot where the sun would rise over a particular bend in the river to continue their journey.
What was a significant clue on the ancient map?
The passage states, 'One of the most important clues on the map was a symbol of a rising sun next to a river.'
The passage states, 'One of the most important clues on the map was a symbol of a rising sun next to a river.'
The detective found a crucial ___ at the crime scene that helped him solve the case.
A 'clue' is a piece of evidence that helps solve a mystery or crime. The other options do not fit the context.
Can you give me a ___ about what the answer to the riddle is? I'm completely stuck.
In this context, 'clue' refers to a hint or suggestion that helps someone find an answer. The other options are not appropriate.
The sudden drop in temperature was a ___ that the weather was about to change dramatically.
Here, 'clue' is used to mean a hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a situation. The other options don't fit the meaning.
A 'clue' is always something tangible you can touch.
While a clue can be tangible (like an object at a crime scene), it can also be an intangible hint or piece of information, like a suggestion or a change in circumstances.
If you are given a 'clue', it means you are being directly told the answer.
A 'clue' is a hint or a piece of evidence that helps you deduce the answer, not the answer itself. It requires further thought or investigation.
The police used a 'clue' to narrow down the list of suspects in the investigation.
A 'clue' can be a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solving of a mystery, which includes narrowing down suspects.
Listen for the main piece of information the detective found.
What is the speaker trying to find to help them understand?
What did the old map offer that was helpful?
Read this aloud:
Can you give me a clue about what we're supposed to do next?
Focus: clue
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
The police are still searching for any clues related to the disappearance.
Focus: searching, clues
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
I finally figured out the answer after a small clue from my friend.
Focus: figured out, clue
あなたの回答：
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The detective meticulously examined every inch of the crime scene, hoping to find a crucial ___ that would lead him to the perpetrator.
A 'clue' is a piece of evidence that helps solve a mystery or crime. In this context, the detective is looking for such evidence.
Despite extensive research, the archaeologists found no definitive ___ to the ancient civilization's sudden disappearance.
Here, 'clue' refers to information that would help understand a difficult situation or question, specifically the mystery of the civilization's disappearance.
The cryptic message offered a subtle ___ to the hidden treasure's location, requiring careful deciphering.
In this sentence, 'clue' signifies a hint or suggestion that helps find an answer, in this case, the treasure's location.
Her evasive answers and nervous demeanor provided a significant ___ that she was not being entirely truthful.
This usage of 'clue' refers to a piece of information that helps someone understand a difficult situation, specifically the person's honesty.
The complex puzzle was designed with several red herrings, making it difficult to discern the actual ___ that would unlock the solution.
Here, 'clue' indicates a piece of information or hint that helps solve a problem or puzzle.
For those struggling with the advanced mathematics problem, the professor offered a gentle ___ that focused on re-evaluating the initial assumptions.
In this context, 'clue' is a hint or suggestion that helps someone understand a difficult situation or find an answer to a question, particularly in an academic setting.
Focus on the overall meaning of 'clue' in a crime context.
Consider 'clue' in relation to solving a mystery.
Think about 'clue' as a hint or suggestion.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on how a seemingly insignificant clue might turn out to be pivotal in solving a complex case?
Focus: pivotal
あなたの回答：
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Read this aloud:
Describe a situation where you had to rely on subtle clues to understand a difficult situation or reach a conclusion.
Focus: subtle
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In what ways do fictional detectives often manipulate or misinterpret clues, and how does this affect the narrative?
Focus: manipulate
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The detective meticulously examined every inch of the crime scene, hoping to unearth a crucial ___ that would lead him to the perpetrator.
A 'clue' is a piece of evidence that helps solve a crime. The other options do not fit the context of a crime scene investigation as directly.
Despite the labyrinthine nature of the ancient text, a faint linguistic ___ offered a breakthrough in deciphering its cryptic message.
In this context, 'clue' refers to a hint or suggestion that helps understand a difficult situation or find an answer. The other words do not convey the same meaning of a direct piece of information leading to understanding.
The sudden fluctuation in stock prices provided a pivotal ___ to the impending economic downturn, though many analysts initially dismissed its significance.
Here, 'clue' is used to signify a hint or indication of a future event. 'Prelude' might seem plausible, but 'clue' more accurately describes a piece of information that helps predict something.
Her ambiguous smile was the only ___ I had to her true intentions, leaving me in a quandary about her next move.
'Clue' fits perfectly here, meaning a subtle hint or suggestion. An 'enigma' is a mystery itself, not a hint towards understanding one.
The archaeological excavation yielded a fragmented pottery shard, a solitary ___ that illuminated aspects of an otherwise undocumented ancient civilization.
A 'clue' in this context refers to a piece of evidence. The pottery shard serves as evidence to understand the civilization.
Despite the myriad of conflicting testimonies, the prosecutor ingeniously pieced together each disparate ___ to construct an irrefutable case against the accused.
The word 'clue' is appropriate as it refers to individual pieces of evidence or information that, when combined, help to solve a larger mystery or build a case.
This sentence uses 'clues' in the context of solving a complex puzzle, which aligns with a C2 level understanding.
This exercise uses 'clues' in a more abstract sense, referring to indirect indicators, appropriate for C2.
This sentence features advanced vocabulary like 'disparate' and 'coalesced' alongside 'clues' to form a complex idea.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words within a sentence or phrase. This helps you understand how 'clue' is used naturally.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore words with similar meanings (e.g., hint, lead, evidence) and opposite meanings (though direct antonyms for 'clue' are less common, think of 'misinformation' or 'red herring' in a mystery context) to broaden your vocabulary.
Visual Association
When you think of 'clue', try to picture a detective finding a magnifying glass next to a footprint. Visuals aid memory.
Sentence Construction
Practice creating your own sentences using 'clue'. For example, 'The detective found a crucial clue at the crime scene.'
