Today, we’re diving deep into a fascinating and common type of challenge found in so many daily
crossword puzzles
: the “for example” clue. Specifically, let’s turn our attention to the classic “Earth or sun, for example.” This
crossword clue
is a brilliant illustration of how constructors test our categorical thinking, pushing us to identify the overarching group that two seemingly disparate items belong to.
When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like “Earth or sun, for example,” your mind immediately jumps to what these two celestial bodies have in common. Earth, as we know, is a planet – a rocky world orbiting a star. The Sun, on the other hand, is the star itself, a massive ball of plasma emitting light and heat. So, right off the bat, we know the solution isn’t simply “planet” or “star.” The answer to this
crossword clue
must be a broader classification, something that encompasses both a planet and a star within its definition. This is the beauty and occasional frustration of such
crossword clues
: they demand precision in categorization.
Think about the vastness of space. What kinds of things populate it? You have planets, stars, moons, asteroids, comets, nebulae, galaxies, black holes… the list goes on. The key to solving this particular
crossword clue
lies in finding the most common, widely accepted term that acts as an umbrella for both Earth and the Sun. It’s a test of general knowledge, certainly, but also of your ability to identify the most appropriate level of abstraction. Is it a scientific term? A more common, everyday word? The context of the surrounding letters in your
crossword puzzle
would, of course, be immensely helpful in narrowing down the possibilities.
These types of
crossword clues
are a staple across all levels of difficulty, from the simplest beginner grids to the most challenging Friday or Saturday
NYT crossword clues
. They reward careful thought and a methodical approach. You consider the examples provided, extract their core characteristics, and then search your mental lexicon for the category that precisely fits. The “for example” phrasing is your biggest hint, signaling that you’re looking for the group name rather than a synonym or a description.
Successfully tackling a
crossword clue
like “Earth or sun, for example” brings a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s not about obscure trivia; it’s about understanding the fundamental ways we classify the world around us. It encourages us to look beyond the individual item and see the bigger picture, a skill that’s valuable far beyond the confines of a
crossword puzzle
. So, the next time you see a
crossword clue
offering examples, take a moment to ponder the relationship between them. What’s the common thread? What larger family do they belong to? The answer is often simpler, or perhaps more elegant, than you first imagine. It’s just another exciting day in the world of
solving crossword clues
.
Available Answers:
ORB.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0618-25 NY Times Crossword 18 Jun 25, Wednesday