Worked example: C?T
C?T asks for a three-letter word with C first and T last. CAT, COT, and CUT can fit when they are present in the reviewed collection. A word such as CHAT fails because its length differs, while ACT fails because the known letters occupy different positions.
- Fix the length. Count every known letter and question mark.
- Protect positions. Never slide a confirmed letter to another slot.
- Read the clue. A structural match can still have the wrong meaning.
Narrow one condition at a time
Begin with length and confirmed positions. If the result set is still broad, add one reliable excluded letter rather than several guesses. Compare the candidates after each change so you can see which piece of evidence actually removed a word.
Build a useful pattern
Keep every confirmed letter in its exact position and use one question mark per unknown letter. Do not use a question mark to stand for several letters. Add excluded letters only after the positional pattern is correct, then check candidate meanings against the clue or sentence.