Semantic Feature Analysis
Resolve Speech Therapy · Aphasia series
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Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) is a strategy that helps with word-finding difficulties, which are common after a stroke or brain injury causing aphasia.
Instead of trying to grab the word directly, you build up to it — describing what a thing is, what it's used for, what it does, what it looks like, where you'd find it, and what it reminds you of. Working through these features around a word often helps it come to mind.
This same strategy can also help in everyday conversation — if a word won't come, describing its features can help you get your message across, or help the word surface.
- Category — what type of thing is it? (furniture, animal, vehicle...)
- Use — what is it used for? (eating, cutting, washing...)
- Action — what does it do? (it transports, it walks, it barks...)
- Properties — what does it look, smell, or taste like?
- Location — where can you find it? (the kitchen, a school, the zoo...)
- Association — what does it remind you of? (like a fork, a memory...)
Picture: a car
Category: Vehicle Use: For driving Action: It transports people
Properties: Red, fast, shiny, four wheels Location: The garage Association: Like my first car
Once all six are filled in: "It's a car."
Head to the Practice tab, pick a picture, and try filling in as many of the six features as you can — out loud, typed, or both. There's no pressure to get every box; some days more will come than others.
When you're ready, try saying the word. Tap "Reveal" to check it against the picture's name.
Work through each picture one at a time — try all six questions before checking the word. Pick a category to focus your practice, then use Next to move on.
How did the client do with this item?
Notes for this item
Reference sheet
Every picture and its word, for review. Tap one to go back and try it again.
How did word-finding feel today?
Rate how practice went overall.
Overall session rating
Rate the client's word-finding with SFA support today.
Which features helped most?
Reflect on today
Any words that were tricky, or ones that came easily?
Goals for next session
Note categories, item sets, or cueing levels to focus on next time.
📧 Email your session notes
Enter your therapist's email address. We'll open Gmail in a new tab with your notes ready to send.
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