caused by crossword clue 3 2 – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "caused by" with the lengths 3 and 2, you've come to the right place. We provide the solution along with clear explanations to help you understand the logic behind it, improving your crossword skills for future puzzles.
Solutions for "caused by crossword clue 3 2" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DUE: Commonly used as a preposition indicating the reason or cause of something. When paired with 'TO', it forms a common idiom for causation.
2 Letters
TO: Often used as part of a phrasal preposition or idiom, completing phrases like 'due to'. In this context, it combines with 'DUE' to mean 'caused by'.
More About "caused by crossword clue 3 2"
The clue "caused by" with lengths (3, 2) is a classic example of a multi-word answer in crosswords. Recognizing that the numbers (3, 2) denote two separate words is crucial. This type of clue tests your vocabulary for common phrases and idioms rather than just single words. The phrase "DUE TO" is a direct synonym for "caused by" and perfectly fits the letter count, making it a highly common and logical solution.
Understanding the nuances of prepositions and phrasal verbs is key to solving such clues. Many crossword constructors love to use these everyday expressions because they can be deceptively simple. "Due to" functions as a compound preposition, explaining the origin or reason for an event or state. For instance, 'The delay was due to traffic' clearly illustrates its meaning and usage.
When you encounter similar clues, always consider if the definition could be an idiom or a two-word phrase that collectively carries the meaning. The number pattern (X, Y) is your primary indicator for this. Familiarity with common English expressions will significantly boost your ability to crack these types of crossword challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Number Patterns: If a clue has multiple numbers in parentheses, like (3, 2) or (4-5), it almost certainly indicates a multi-word answer. Each number corresponds to the length of an individual word.
- Consider Idioms and Phrases: Many crossword clues, especially those that seem a bit abstract or tricky, might be leading you to common idioms, phrasal verbs, or well-known expressions. Think about how a concept might be expressed in a multi-word phrase.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve the entire phrase at once if you're stuck. Instead, use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues to deduce parts of the multi-word answer. This can often reveal one word, making the other easier to guess.
- Think about Grammatical Function: Is the clue asking for a noun, a verb, an adjective, or a prepositional phrase? Understanding the grammatical role of the expected answer can narrow down your options significantly, especially for clues like "caused by" that hint at a relationship or reason.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a crossword clue indicates a multi-word answer?
Clues indicating multi-word answers usually include multiple sets of numbers in parentheses, such as (3, 2) or (4-5). Each number represents the length of a single word in the solution, and commas or hyphens separate them.
What are common two-word phrases or idioms used in crosswords?
Crosswords frequently feature common two-word phrases or idioms. Examples include 'AS IF', 'TO BE', 'INTO', 'OUT OF', 'UPON', and 'DUE TO'. These often act as prepositions or conjunctions and are integral to everyday language.
Why is 'DUE TO' a suitable answer for 'caused by' with lengths 3 and 2?
'DUE TO' is a perfect fit because it's a common idiom meaning 'caused by' or 'because of'. The phrase breaks down into 'DUE' (3 letters) and 'TO' (2 letters), matching the specified lengths exactly, making it a very common and logical solution in crosswords.