and similar things crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "and similar things" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "and similar things crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ETC: This is a very common abbreviation for "etcetera," meaning "and other things" or "and so on."
4 Letters
ETAL: Short for "et alia," a Latin phrase meaning "and others," often used in a list of authors or people.
6 Letters
ETALIA: The full form of "et alia," meaning "and other things," specifically referring to neutral plural nouns.
7 Letters
ANDSOON: A straightforward English phrase indicating continuation of a list or sequence.
10 Letters
ANDSOFORTH: A more formal English phrase that means "and other things of the same kind," synonymous with "etcetera."
More About "and similar things crossword clue"
The clue "and similar things" is a classic in the world of crosswords, designed to elicit answers that indicate continuation or inclusion of unstated items. These answers often come from Latin abbreviations or common English phrases. The most frequent solution, 'ETC', stems from 'etcetera', a Latin term that has been fully adopted into English. Its prevalence in crosswords reflects its widespread use in everyday language.
Understanding the nuances of such clues can greatly enhance your crossword-solving speed. Clues like these test your knowledge of common phrases and abbreviations, as well as your ability to infer context from the given letter count. Being aware of the Latin roots of many of these terms can provide a significant advantage, as crossword constructors frequently draw upon this linguistic wellspring.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Latin Abbreviations: Many "and similar things" clues will point to Latin phrases. Keep common ones like 'ETC' and 'ET AL' in mind.
- Count the Letters: The number of letters is your biggest hint. 'ETC' is always three letters, 'AND SO ON' is seven, etc. This helps narrow down possibilities quickly.
- Look for Connecting Words: Sometimes the clue might be phrased slightly differently, e.g., "things like that," but still points to the same family of answers.
- Check Surrounding Answers: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, these can often reveal the correct 'and similar things' answer, especially for longer phrases.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'and similar things' mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword, 'and similar things' typically points to an abbreviation or a phrase that signifies continuation, additional items, or a list that trails off. Common answers include Latin abbreviations like 'ETC' (etcetera) or 'ET AL' (et alia), or English phrases like 'AND SO ON' or 'AND SO FORTH'.
Are Latin abbreviations common in crosswords?
Yes, Latin abbreviations are very common in crosswords. Clues might refer to 'for example' (e.g., 'E.G.'), 'that is' (i.e., 'I.E.'), 'note well' (n.b., 'NB'), or 'and others' ('ET AL'). Knowing these common abbreviations can significantly help in solving puzzles.
How can I quickly identify answers for 'and similar things'?
Look at the number of letters required. Short answers often point to common abbreviations like 'ETC' (3 letters) or 'ETAL' (4 letters). Longer answers might be full phrases like 'AND SO ON' (7 letters) or 'AND SO FORTH' (10 letters). Context from surrounding letters in the grid can also provide strong hints.