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Constructing => General Discussion => Topic started by: cranberry44 on February 19, 2022, 04:27:58 PM

Title: "The" used 2X in 15X15 OK?
Post by: cranberry44 on February 19, 2022, 04:27:58 PM

Can you use the word "the" twice in a 15 X15? Do you think NYT will accept entries such as "cut to the chase" and "bite the bullet" in the same 15X15?

Title: Re: "The" used 2X in 15X15 OK?
Post by: mmcbs on February 19, 2022, 04:48:11 PM

There's no official rule, but I think most editors allow duplication of words that are not capitalized in title case - minor words which are  short (i.e., three letters or fewer) conjunctions, short prepositions, and all articles (the, an, a). Most also allow repetition of I, as long as you don't overdo it.

Title: Re: "The" used 2X in 15X15 OK?
Post by: cranberry44 on February 19, 2022, 04:59:47 PM

Thanks Mark. I asked because I haven't seen many duplicates, even of "insignificant words," in NYT themeless puzzles. 

Title: Re: "The" used 2X in 15X15 OK?
Post by: mmcbs on February 19, 2022, 05:19:27 PM

Well those slots are extremely competitive, but I honestly think the winners are the ones with the coolest long entries.