A computer-implemented method of answering questions. A word problem is received into a user interface of a question-answering (QA) system operating on a computerized device having a processor. The word problem comprises a question and contextual phrases providing context for the question. The question is parsed from the word problem, using a parsing function of the processor. The contextual phrases are parsed from the word problem, using the parsing function of the processor. A type is identified for the question, using a typing function of the processor. A phrase is identified in the question having the same type as the question. A reformulated question is produced by replacing the phrase in the question having the same type as the question with a contextual phrase. The reformulated question is input to the QA system. Answers to the reformulated question are received from the QA system.