us ravine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Facing a tricky clue like "us ravine"? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all possible solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately, along with explanations and helpful tips.
Solutions for "us ravine crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CANYON: A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, typically one formed by water erosion. It's a quintessential US geographical feature, think Grand Canyon.
ARROYO: A water-carved gully or channel, often dry, characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions, especially in the US Southwest.
COULEE: A long, deep gully or ravine, particularly with sloping sides, a term commonly used in parts of the US (e.g., Columbia River Plateau) and Canada.
5 Letters
GORGE: A narrow valley, especially one between mountains or through which a river runs. A general term that fits "ravine" and can be found in the US.
More About "us ravine crossword clue"
The clue "us ravine" points towards a geographical feature that is typically American or has strong associations with the United States. While 'ravine' is a general term for a deep, narrow gorge, the "us" modifier directs solvers to consider specific nomenclature prevalent in the U.S. landscape. This could range from the monumental 'canyons' of the West to smaller, more localized features like 'arroyos' found in the arid Southwest or 'coulees' in the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains.
Understanding these regional terms is key for many crosswords that delve into specific geographical or cultural nuances. The formation of these ravines is often due to water erosion over vast periods, carving through rock formations. Famous examples, such as the Grand Canyon, reinforce 'canyon' as a primary answer for 'US ravine,' but the inclusion of other terms like 'arroyo' and 'coulee' demonstrates the richness of the English language and its adaptation to diverse landscapes.
Crossword constructors often use such clues to test a solver's knowledge of both common and specialized vocabulary. When faced with similar clues, thinking about the specific context (e.g., "US," "UK," "desert," "mountain") can significantly help in narrowing down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Geographical Context: For clues with country or region specifiers like "US," "UK," or "African," think about terms or features unique to that area. 'Canyon' is very American, while 'gill' might be more British for a similar feature.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters in your potential answer against the grid. This is the simplest and most effective way to confirm or rule out a word. Our "Solutions by Letter Count" section is designed to help with this!
- Look for Synonyms and Related Concepts: Even if a direct synonym isn't apparent, think of words that describe similar concepts or features. A 'ravine' is a type of 'gorge' or 'canyon'. Brainstorming related terms can often lead to the correct answer.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Don't get stuck on one clue. Use letters you've confidently placed from intersecting words to fill in blanks and reveal parts of the tricky word. This is especially useful when multiple answers for a single clue exist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common US term for a ravine?
While 'ravine' is a general term, 'canyon' is perhaps the most iconic US-specific term for a large, deep ravine, famous for features like the Grand Canyon. Regional terms like 'arroyo' (Southwest) or 'coulee' (Northwest/Midwest) are also common for smaller, dry ravines or gully-like features.
How can the number of letters help solve a crossword clue like 'us ravine'?
Knowing the number of letters dramatically narrows down possibilities. For 'us ravine', if you know it's a 6-letter word, options like CANYON, ARROYO, or COULEE become strong contenders, whereas GORGE (5 letters) would be excluded. This is a fundamental strategy in crosswords, allowing you to match the known length with potential solutions.
Are there regional variations of ravine terms in the US?
Absolutely. The US, with its vast and varied geography, has many regional terms. 'Arroyo' is common in the arid Southwest for a dry gully. 'Coulee' is used in parts of the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. 'Wash' is another term for a dry streambed in the desert. 'Gulch' is more generic but often refers to a smaller, steep-sided ravine, particularly in mining regions.