Near-synonyms are not interchangeable everywhere

Put two possible words into the same sentence and read both versions. Children can discuss which fits the intended strength or tone, discovering that similar meaning does not guarantee identical effect.

Explain the shared meaning. Try both words in one context. Find a context where one is more suitable.

Let the sentence decide

'Large' and 'enormous' both describe size, but the second may convey a stronger judgement in a story.

Test candidate words in the same sentence. Near-synonyms can differ in strength, tone or suitability rather than being freely interchangeable.

What difference does the replacement create? Use drawings showing contrasting degrees of size.

Related meanings are not always interchangeable.

Resources

• Colour-in Word Search Generator — Optional word-finding practice after discussing the selected words; this does not teach decoding.

Further reading

• Literacy Hub — Teaching reading professional learning

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