The Art of Crossword Clues: Tips for Solving Per Person Crosswords
If you’re a true lover of puzzles, you’d know that crossword puzzles are the ultimate brain workout. More than that, they’re an excellent way to stretch your vocabulary, improve your spelling and keep your mind sharp. Yet, for some, they’re also a peculiarly challenging form of entertainment that requires plenty of patience, skill and way too much general knowledge.
One of the most frustrating parts of cracking a crossword puzzle is tackling per person clues. These clues are phrased from the perspective of just one person, leaving forward or backward clues. To solve these clues, you need a smart approach that can help you whenever you’re stuck.
Here are some tips to help you become a crossword puzzle pro when it comes to per person clues:
1. Look for Clues in the Question
First and foremost, starting with the clues in the question is the best place to start. Look closely for any cues or signs that can help you deduce the answer. Keep a sharp eye out for the following:
- Context clues: These are words that offer insight into what the puzzle demands. For example, a clue that reads: “He spent a night in a haunted mansion” could suggest GHOST.
- Reference clues: These require you to consult a resource that has the answer to a crossword puzzle question. These sources can include dictionaries, encyclopedias, and books.
- Wordplay: This requires you to think outside the box, and more often than not, it involves puns. For instance, the clue: “It’s the size of the door of an airplane” can suggest JETWAY.
2. Use the Question’s Tense to Deduce the Answer
The tense of the clue can give you valuable insight into the answer you’re looking for. If the puzzle is written in present tense, the answer should also be in the present tense. If the puzzle is in the past tense, the answer should also be in the past tense. Take, for instance, the clue: “He is eating an apple.” This sentence implies that the answer is an ACTION and should, therefore, be a verb.
3. Look for Slight Differences in Wording
A sure way of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to solving per person crosswords is by examining the wording and phrasing of clues. Sometimes, the slightest hint can be the key to unlocking the solution.
Words such as “they,” “them,” and “she” can suggest that the clue requires a verb that is in the third person. In contrast, words such as “me,” “I” or “you” imply that the answer requires a verb that is in the first person.
Conclusion
Solving per person crosswords may not be a walk in the park, but it is an essential part of the puzzle-solving process. The good news is that with the right set of tips and tricks, anybody can master the craft of cracking the clues.
So, next time you’re stuck on a per person crossword, remember to examine the clues in the question, use the tense of the question to deduce the answer and look out for slight differences in wording. These tricks will help you go a long way towards becoming a crossword puzzle pro in no time.
