Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another deep dive into the intricate world of cryptic phrases and elusive solutions! Today, we’re dissecting a common yet often perplexing
crossword clue
that regularly pops up in grids both big and small: “Elects (to)“. Ah, the parenthetical, a seemingly minor addition that often holds the key to unlocking the puzzle’s true meaning!
You know the feeling, don’t you? You’re cruising through a puzzle, letters falling into place, and then you hit a wall. Sometimes, that wall is a deceptively simple-looking
crossword clue
like “Elects (to)“. It’s not about grand political elections here, nor is it about choosing a new club president. The inclusion of that tiny “(to)” utterly transforms the meaning, steering us away from civic duty and towards a much more personal kind of choice.
Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
can be a head-scratcher and how to approach it. Firstly, “Elects” as a verb in the third person singular implies an action being performed by a singular subject – “he elects,” “she elects,” “it elects.” This immediately tells us that our answer will likely be a verb, probably also in the third person singular present tense, ending in ‘s’ or ‘es’. Maintaining tense and number agreement is a golden rule in solving many a tricky
crossword clue
.
Now, for the star of the show: the “(to)”. This isn’t just an aside; it’s a crucial directional arrow. When someone “elects to do something,” they are making a conscious decision, a personal choice. It’s akin to “choosing to” or “deciding to.” This nuances the meaning of “elects” significantly. Without the “(to)”, “elects” could mean “votes in,” “selects,” or even “picks.” But with it, the focus shifts to an individual’s personal volition concerning an action. The answer to this
crossword clue
will therefore be a synonym for “chooses to do something,” “opts to,” or “decides to,” expressed as a verb.
Constructors love this type of
crossword clue
because it allows for a subtle misdirection. Your initial thought might drift to electoral processes, but the subtle hint redirects you. It’s a test of precision in language, asking you to identify the exact nuance of the word in its given context. When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, always ask yourself: “How does the parenthetical phrase modify the main word?” In this case, “(to)” clarifies that the action is not just a general selection, but a personal commitment to undertake something.
To crack this type of
crossword clue
, consider synonyms that imply a deliberate decision. Think about words that fit the pattern of “one
does
X to do Y.” What other verbs mean to make a choice to perform an action? What are common phrases that express a preference for a particular course of action? Your answer will be a single word, fitting into the grid with its specific letter count, and crucially, it will align with the third person singular present tense.
The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to force you to think outside the box, or rather,
inside
the box of precise definitions. “Elects (to)” is a perfect example of how a small addition can completely reshape your understanding and guide you to the correct, often satisfyingly exact, solution. Don’t get stuck on the voting booth; instead, ponder the personal commitment.
Next time you encounter this particular
crossword clue
, remember the power of that humble “(to)”. It’s not just about what is chosen, but the
act
of choosing a particular path or action. Keep those linguistic gears turning, and you’ll find that cracking even the trickiest
crossword clue
becomes a rewarding exercise. Happy solving, and may your grids always be full!
Available Answers:
OPTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Amie Walker & Amanda Rafkin / Ed. Patti Varol