Solving Logic Puzzles

[musicmeg222]

I've been solving logic puzzles online for awhile now. I understand most of the clues, but then get stuck and usually have to get a hint. It's hard to use all of the clues based on their wording. Any tips or suggestions for solving these on my own and not needing a hint?

[Kitku]

Usually when I'm stuck, it's because I failed to notice that somewhere there is a row or column that has got only one option left in another category (or, generalisation of this for larger numbers).

Beside that, look for clues that have something in common, for example, the same distance in the quantified variable:

1. Arnold paid 2$ more than Bradley.
2. Dalton paid 2$ more than the person who ordered water.

these two clues together give us information, that Bradley didn't order water, because if he did, Arnold and Dalton would have to be the same person.

Another example, if there are two clues in form of "of x and y, one is a and the other is b" that both mention one of the variables, sometimes you can squeeze out some additional restrains, e.g.

1. Of Arnold and the person who ordered root beer, one paid 24.99$ and the other ordered club sandwich
2. Of Arnold and the person who paid 26.99$, one ordered water and the other ordered cheeseburger.

From this, we can infer that club sandwich may be paired only with root beer or water in the beverages cathegory, and that the order that included cheeseburger must cost either 26.99$ or 24.99$
In this method you can also use clues in form of "x can be either a or b".
Generally, look for a variable that repeats itself in the same type of clues.

Hope this helps. If anything is unclear, let me know, I'll try to explain better.