What does 'in this way' mean in a crossword clue?

'In this way' generally points to adverbs of manner or consequence. Common answers include 'THUS', 'SO', 'HENCE', or 'ERGO', all of which indicate a method, result, or reason.

How can I determine the correct answer for 'in this way'?

The correct answer depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. For instance, if you need a two-letter word, 'SO' or 'AS' are likely. For four letters, 'THUS' or 'ERGO' are good candidates.

Are there common alternative phrases for 'in this way' in crosswords?

Yes, clues like 'thus', 'as a result', 'consequently', 'therefore', or even 'as such' can lead to similar answers. Always consider synonyms and words indicating a method or outcome.

in this way crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "in this way crossword clue", organized by letter count for your convenience. Dive in to solve your puzzle quickly and accurately!

Solutions for "in this way crossword clue" by Letter Count

2 Letters

SO: A very common and concise answer, meaning 'in the manner indicated' or 'to such an extent'. Often used to signify method or result.

AS: Used to indicate a manner or way something is done, often in comparisons or to describe a role.

4 Letters

THUS: A formal term meaning 'in this manner' or 'as a result'. Frequently appears in clues related to consequence or method.

ERGO: Derived from Latin, meaning 'therefore' or 'consequently'. A good fit for clues indicating a logical outcome or method.

LIKE: Can mean 'in the manner of' or 'similar to', fitting for a clue about method or comparison.

5 Letters

HENCE: Means 'as a consequence; for this reason', or sometimes 'from this time/place'. A strong candidate when looking for a slightly longer synonym for 'thus'.

6 Letters

THENCE: Meaning 'from that place or source' or 'from that time or point'. Less common than 'hence' for "in this way", but can appear in more obscure or older puzzles.

More About "in this way crossword clue"

The clue "in this way" is a classic crossword staple, often leading solvers to adverbs that describe method, manner, or consequence. It's a versatile clue that can point to a range of answers depending on the required letter count. Understanding the nuances of words like 'thus', 'so', 'hence', and 'ergo' is key to mastering this type of clue.

These words, while seemingly simple, carry distinct connotations. 'So' and 'as' are common and flexible, often indicating a simple manner. 'Thus' and 'ergo' lean towards a more formal or logical consequence, implying "because of this" or "as a result of this action." 'Hence' can also signify a consequence but sometimes relates to a starting point in time or space, making it subtly different from 'thus'. Paying attention to the exact phrasing of the clue, combined with the number of letters, is crucial.

Often, these clues test your vocabulary of conjunctions and adverbs that connect ideas logically or describe actions. They are foundational elements in both everyday language and the structured world of crosswords, making them essential knowledge for any puzzle enthusiast.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Check Intersecting Letters: Always use any letters you already have from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to narrow down the possible answers for clues like "in this way" that have multiple synonyms.
Consider Formality: Some answers like 'ERGO' or 'THUS' are more formal than 'SO' or 'AS'. The overall tone of the crossword puzzle or the specific constructor's style might give a hint as to which level of formality is expected.
Think About Context: While "in this way" is broad, sometimes the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can subtly guide you towards a specific type of answer, whether it's more about cause-and-effect or simply method.
Look for Common Short Words: Many crosswords rely heavily on short, common words. For 2-letter clues, 'SO' and 'AS' are frequent go-to's for this type of clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between THUS and HENCE in crosswords?

Both THUS and HENCE mean 'as a result' or 'consequently'. However, THUS more directly relates to 'in this manner' or 'in the way just mentioned'. HENCE can also mean 'from this place' or 'from this time', adding a spatial or temporal dimension not usually implied by THUS. In crosswords, they are often interchangeable, but the letter count will dictate which fits.

Why are short answers like SO and AS so common for this clue?

Crossword constructors often rely on short, versatile words that can fit into small spaces in the grid. SO and AS are extremely common adverbs of manner or degree, making them perfect candidates for short, direct clues like "in this way". Their brevity and broad applicability make them useful grid fillers.

Can 'in this way' ever refer to a physical path?

While less common, depending on the context of the puzzle, 'in this way' could theoretically imply a physical direction if combined with other words in a larger clue (e.g., "Proceed in this way across the bridge"). However, for a standalone clue like "in this way crossword clue", it almost universally refers to method or consequence rather than a literal path.