As well as

“As well as” – A Crossword Clue You’ll Want to Remember

Ah, “as well as.” A simple phrase, but one that can trip up even the most seasoned crossword solver. It’s a classic clue that often hides a variety of answers, making it both challenging and rewarding to decipher.

Today, we’re diving into the world of “as well as” clues. We’ll explore the different ways it can be used, the types of answers it often points to, and some strategies for tackling it head-on.

Let’s get started!

The Many Faces of “As Well As”

The beauty of “as well as” lies in its versatility. It can function as a synonym for “and” or “in addition to”, but it can also indicate a comparison or even a contrasting element.

For example, you might see “As well as a city, it’s a…” with the answer being “state”. The clue hints at a larger entity that contains the smaller one.

Or, you might encounter “As well as being quick, it’s…” suggesting the answer is an adjective that describes another characteristic of the subject.

Common Answers

While “as well as” clues can be tricky, there are some common answer types to keep in mind:

Prepositions:

Think of words like “besides”, “except”, “including”, “besides” and “apart from”. These words often fill the role of “as well as” in a sentence.

Conjunctions:

Words like “and”, “but”, “or”, and “yet” are frequently the answer.

Adjectives:

“As well as being…” often leads to an adjective that describes a characteristic of the subject.

Nouns:

The clue might be referencing a different type of entity than the subject, like in the “city/state” example.

Verbs:

While less common, “as well as” can sometimes point to an action associated with the subject.

Tips for Solving “As Well as” Clues

Here are a few strategies to help you crack “as well as” clues:

Consider the context:

Pay attention to the surrounding words in the clue. What are they hinting at?

Think of synonyms:

“As well as” is often used to describe something in a different way. Think of synonyms for the clue’s subject.

Try different parts of speech:

Don’t limit yourself to one part of speech. Experiment with different options.

Look for relationships:

Is the clue suggesting a connection or contrast between the subject and the answer?

By understanding the different ways “as well as” is used and following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to conquering this common crossword challenge. So, next time you encounter an “as well as” clue, don’t be discouraged! Embrace the challenge and enjoy the puzzle!

Available Answers:

PLUS.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 2 Jul 24, Tuesday