This, That, and the Crossword Conundrum: A Pondering on Proximal Pronouns
Welcome, crossword enthusiasts, to another delve into the often-obscure world of clue interpretation! Today, we’re tackling a pair of seemingly simple words that can nonetheless throw a wrench into even the most seasoned solver’s progress: “this” and “that.” These demonstrative pronouns, fundamental to English grammar, frequently appear in clues, not always with the most straightforward of intentions.
The beauty (and sometimes the frustration) of crossword puzzles lies in their layered approach to definition. A word as commonplace as “this” or “that” is unlikely to be presented as a mere definition of itself. Instead, constructors often use these pronouns to hint at a relationship, a location, or a characteristic. It’s our job as solvers to decipher which of these approaches is being employed.
One common tactic is to use “this” or “that” to indicate proximity – either literal or figurative. Consider a clue involving geography. “This city” might refer to the city where the puzzle is published, or a city that is somehow relevant to the theme of the puzzle. Conversely, “that country” could allude to a nation far away, less familiar, or perhaps one mentioned earlier in the grid. The key is to look for contextual clues within the puzzle itself.
Another popular angle is to use “this” or “that” to signal a specific example or member of a group. For instance, “This type of flower” implies the solver needs to provide a specific flower within a larger category. The constructor is essentially saying, “Think of an example that fits this particular description.” This necessitates a good working knowledge of vocabulary related to the subject matter.
Furthermore, the pronouns can be used to point backward or forward within the clue itself, acting as subtle pointers to key information. “That which comes before…” might direct you to the preceding word in the clue, while “this leading to…” could suggest the answer influences a later part of the puzzle. Pay close attention to the word order and syntax, as these seemingly insignificant pronouns can be your guide.
Perhaps the trickiest, but often most rewarding, use of “this” and “that” involves metaphorical or idiomatic expressions. “That feeling you get when…” could be leading you to a common phrase or emotion. Or, “This quality is essential for…” might require you to think abstractly and identify a characteristic described by the answer. These clues rely heavily on cultural knowledge and the ability to think laterally.
When confronted with a “this” or “that” clue, don’t immediately dismiss it as simplistic. Take a moment to consider the context of the puzzle: the theme, the surrounding clues, and the overall difficulty level. Ask yourself:
Is the clue referring to something nearby or distant?
Is it asking for a specific example?
Is it pointing to another part of the clue?
Could it be hinting at a common idiom or expression?
By carefully analyzing the clue and its surrounding environment, you can unlock the true meaning hidden behind these seemingly innocuous pronouns and successfully navigate the crossword grid. Keep searching, keep pondering, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
TYPOS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Show Me the Proof By David Ding