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Constructing => General Discussion => Topic started by: danieltaro on May 25, 2020, 03:20:10 PM

Title: Types of clues and when to use them
Post by: danieltaro on May 25, 2020, 03:20:10 PM

Hey All,

I am looking for a resource that goes through different types of clues and, if possible, the preferred ways to use them. Of course, I could do a google search but I am curious if anyone has a handy resource that covers this ground.

Thanks,

Daniel

Title: Re: Types of clues and when to use them
Post by: mmcbs on May 25, 2020, 03:40:32 PM

This probably isn't exactly what you're looking for, but it is the most extensive database of crossword clues (American) that have been used historically: http://tiwwdty.com/clue/ - it can be integrated into your crossword construction software or (I believe) used as a standalone database.

This web site (cruciverb) has an interesting commentary about clues under the "Sage Advice" menu. Also you can look up words/clues on several sites including this one, crosswordtracker.com, crosswordgiant.com, and others.

I can thing of a few different "types" of clues, though we don't usually categorize them as such:

Straight definition - IRATE = angry

Explanation that's not a direct definition - DOG = family pet

Misdirection or "trick"  - DEE = Capital of Delaware? [clues like this often have a ? to signify that it's a joke of some sort]

Fill in the blank FITB = ELEPHANT = ___ in the room

Most good puzzles will have a variety of these, with harder puzzles tending to have fewer FITBs and direct definition, and the other clues will be more vague (but still accurate).

Not sure this helps, but there you are.

Title: Re: Types of clues and when to use them
Post by: Wheels12 on May 26, 2020, 04:20:50 PM

Patrick Berry wrote an eBook on constructing that's worth the money: http://aframegames.com/store/?download=21 (http://aframegames.com/store/?download=21)

It includes lost of help with cluing.