Double Meaning
Find a single word that fits two different sentences.
What is Double Meaning?
Double meaning questions give you two sentences, each with a gap. You need to find one word that makes sense in both sentences, even though it means something different in each one.
Many English words have more than one meaning. For example, “bank” can mean a place for money or the side of a river. These questions test how well you know different word meanings.
Step-by-Step Method
Read both sentences carefully
Understand what each sentence is about and what kind of word is needed for each gap.
Brainstorm words for each sentence
Think of words that could fill the gap in the first sentence, then words for the second sentence.
Look for overlap
Check if any word appears in both of your lists. That word is likely the answer.
Verify in both contexts
Put the word into both sentences and read them aloud. Both must make sense.
Worked Examples
Find one word that completes both sentences: “I need to ___ the door.” and “The dog began to ___.”
Working
- First sentence needs: open, close, lock, bolt, shut…
- Second sentence needs: bark, run, eat, bolt…
- Overlap: BOLT – “bolt the door” and “the dog began to bolt” (run away quickly)
Find one word that completes both sentences: “We sat on the river ___.” and “She went to the ___ to deposit money.”
Working
- First sentence: bank, edge, side…
- Second sentence: bank, shop, office…
- Overlap: BANK – river bank and money bank
Common Mistakes
Only thinking about the first sentence and picking a word that does not work in the second.
Always test your answer in BOTH sentences before choosing it.
Not considering unusual or less common meanings of everyday words.
Think creatively – many common words have surprising second meanings (e.g. “match” can be a game or a small fire-lighter).
Top Tips
- Build a list of common double-meaning words: bat, bank, bark, bolt, match, right, light, wave, ring, fly.
- Think about different word types – could the word be a noun in one sentence and a verb in another?
- If stuck, focus on short, common words – they tend to have more meanings.
- Read the sentences aloud with your answer – if either sounds wrong, try again.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Verbal Reasoning Questions