Clinical Data – Link Words and Phrases
It’s no secret that in my own barred puzzles I try where possible to avoid including words and phrases whose sole purpose is to link the wordplay to the definition (‘fors’ and ‘froms’ among many others), but they are very much a part of the cruciverbal landscape. As long as they are used in a way that is fair to the solver there is absolutely nothing wrong with them, and they can be particularly valuable when (i) the only way to make a clue ‘work’ is to include such a link, or (ii) when one is trying to give the solver a helping hand by pointing them towards the definition .
I have therefore created a new list which attempts to bring together the various words and phrases used for this purpose, showing the direction (wordplay->definition, definition<-wordplay, or either) for which I believe that each is suitable.
I hope that this list will prove useful, but please leave a comment on this post if you have any observations or spot any errors. The initial list was very much a ‘top of the head’ thing, and I would appreciate suggestions from readers for additional entries, particularly ones which they have seen used in a published crossword.
Good evening Dr Clue.
I wonder if it might be worth adding/discussing clues of the form D=>W one occasionally comes across? I’ve used them very rarely, and only with editors (eg chez Times) who allow the device, usually under some sort of restriction that the WP is ‘simple’, or ‘one-step’ — perhaps a charade, reversal or anagram — eg as in “Money making bishop study”. When I first saw this device it jarred, but it is used/defended by some very experienced and respected setters.
Thanks, Monk. It’s not something I’m very comfortable with myself, particularly in puzzles where the link words/phrases are intended to help the solver to unravel the clue, but I was persuaded some time ago by RJHe that it was acceptable in intermediate/advanced crosswords in the kind of situations that you describe. I feel best disposed towards the device when it comes to simple charades and manipulations achieved without the use of verbs, eg ‘backwards’ or ‘in’. I will add a paragraph to the page.
Good afternoon Dr Clue
Another well-conceived addition to your ever-excellent site. I’d imagine that this new list will be a most welcome resource within the increasingly wide platform for introductory level and/or quick cryptics, within which (especially the direction-flagging ) LW&Ps very much help the solver. So it’s a big thank you from ‘The Monastery’.
Thank you most kindly. It’s very much a ‘work in progress’, and all suggestions for adds, changes and deletes will be gratefully received.