* You encounter an unfamiliar word. Context clues can help you understand the meaning of a word based on the words and sentences surrounding it.
* You want to deepen your understanding of a text. Context clues can reveal nuances of meaning and help you connect ideas within a passage.
* You are trying to determine the tone or mood of a text. The words surrounding a particular word can give you hints about the author's attitude or the overall feeling of the text.
* You are unsure about the precise meaning of a word. Context clues can help you narrow down the possible definitions of a word and choose the one that makes the most sense in the given context.
Essentially, you should use context clues whenever you feel unsure about the meaning of a word or phrase in a text.