able crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. If you're stuck on 'able crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a curated list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "able crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
APT: Suitable or appropriate in the circumstances; quick to learn or understand.
FIT: Having the requisite qualities or skills to perform a specified task; competent.
7 Letters
CAPABLE: Having the power, skill, or means to do something; competent.
SKILLED: Having or showing skill, proficiency, or expertness.
9 Letters
EFFICIENT: Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense; competent and capable.
More About "able crossword clue"
The clue 'able' in crosswords often points to words that convey competence, skill, or capacity. It's a versatile clue, as 'able' itself can mean having the power to do something, or possessing a particular skill. This allows for a wide range of synonyms, from concise three-letter options to more descriptive longer words. When tackling such a clue, consider the context of the puzzle – is it looking for a general sense of capability, or something more specific like physical fitness or intellectual aptitude?
Crossword setters love 'able' because it can lead to multiple valid answers, depending on the specific nuance they are trying to evoke. For instance, 'able' can imply a natural talent (APT), a learned proficiency (SKILLED), or simply the power to accomplish a task (CAPABLE). It's crucial to look at intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities. Don't forget that 'able' can also refer to a state of being capable, sometimes even in a legal or formal sense, though this is less common in standard cryptic or quick crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you already have from crossing words to eliminate incorrect answers. This is the single most effective strategy.
- Consider Word Length: The number of boxes available is your most definitive guide. If 'able' is 3 letters, options like APT or FIT are strong contenders. If it's longer, think of synonyms like CAPABLE or SKILLED.
- Think of Nuances: Does the surrounding clue or puzzle theme suggest a specific type of 'ability'? Sometimes a crossword will hint at physical ability versus mental aptitude, for example.
- Don't Be Afraid to Guess (Intelligently): If you're down to two possibilities and one fits better with the overall tone or setter's style, try it. You can always come back.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for a simple clue like 'able'?
Clues like 'able' are common in crosswords because they have many synonyms depending on the specific context of 'ability'. Setters use them to allow for different word lengths and to challenge solvers to think broadly about related concepts such as competence, skill, or capacity.
How do I choose the correct answer when multiple options fit the length?
The best way to determine the correct answer is by using the intersecting letters from other solved clues. These letters will typically narrow down the possibilities to a single correct word. Also, consider the specific nuances or common usage of the word in crosswords.
Is 'able' often part of longer phrases in crosswords?
While 'able' itself is a common clue, it can also appear as part of a longer phrase or compound word in a clue, like 'able-bodied' or 'enabled'. In such cases, the clue's focus shifts to the combined meaning, requiring a broader range of solutions.