The grid stares back, a mosaic of possibilities and perplexing blanks. Every seasoned solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising along, confident in your parsing, and then a tiny word, seemingly innocuous, throws a wrench into your flow. Often, that word is a demonstrative. It points, it indicates, it
shows
. But what exactly is it showing, and more crucially for us, how does it function within the intricate world of the
crossword clue
?
We’re zeroing in on those unassuming linguistic pointers: the demonstrative words. These aren’t just grammatical terms from an old English class; they are vital navigational tools embedded within the very fabric of our beloved puzzles. Think of them as tiny, silent directors, guiding your gaze to a specific spot, object, or concept. They tell you “here,” “there,” “this one,” or “that one.” In a typical sentence, they help us distinguish between “this book” and “that book over there.” In a
crossword clue
, their role becomes even more layered, more devious, and utterly fascinating.
The core quartet of demonstrative pronouns and adjectives are “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those.” They establish proximity or distance, both literal and figurative. “This” and “these” imply closeness, “that” and “those” imply distance. But when these words appear in a
crossword clue
, that proximity isn’t always physical. It could be temporal (“that time ago”), conceptual (“this idea”), or, most intriguingly for us puzzle enthusiasts, relative to the clue itself.
A seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
like “That thing over there” might genuinely be looking for “THAT.” Or, more often, the demonstrative acts as a signpost. “This item,” for instance, might be subtly pointing to another word
within
the very same clue, or even a concept that the clue is hinting at implicitly. Understanding this internal referencing is a game-changer. It’s the difference between staring blankly at a four-letter space and suddenly seeing the light.
Consider how often a
crossword clue
might begin with “This” or “That.” It’s not just a casual stylistic choice by the constructor. It’s a deliberate signal. Are they asking you to identify something singular or plural? Near or far, in the abstract sense? Are they perhaps hinting at a self-referential element, where the clue itself is the subject? Mastering the subtle art of interpreting these demonstrative signals will undoubtedly elevate your solving prowess. They are the quiet sentinels of the grid, waiting for you to decipher their true intent. Recognizing their function is paramount to unlocking some of the trickiest entries you’ll encounter in any daily challenge. The precision with which a constructor deploys a demonstrative word in a
crossword clue
can make all the difference, transforming a baffling hint into a clear path towards the correct answer.
So, next time a short word like “this” or “that” pops up in a
crossword clue
, pause. Don’t rush past it. Ask yourself: what is it pointing to? What relationship is it trying to establish? Unraveling that mystery is often the key to unlocking the entire entry, turning a moment of frustration into a satisfying “Aha!” The power packed into these small words is immense, and recognizing their subtle cues is a hallmark of an advanced solver.
Available Answers:
LIKE SO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0802-25 NY Times Crossword 2 Aug 25, Saturday