Crossword puzzles are a staple of daily newspaper offerings and have a special place in many people’s routines. Whether solving it in the morning with your coffee or tackling it during a lunch break, the New York Times (NYT) crossword puzzle is one of the most iconic. If you’ve ever worked on a puzzle, you’ve likely encountered a tricky clue that leaves you scratching your head. One such Clue in the NYT crossword puzzle is “Request that one can.” This article will explore what this Clue means, its possible answers, and the history of the NYT crossword puzzle.
The NYT Crossword Puzzle: A Brief History
The New York Times crossword puzzle is one of the most well-known crosswords in the world. Its history goes back to the early 20th century. The very first NYT crossword was published on February 15, 1942. It was created by a man named Arthur Wynne. Wynne, originally from England, was an editor at the New York World newspaper. His invention quickly became popular and later contributed to the rise of the crossword puzzle in the U.S.
For many years, the NYT crossword puzzle was just one of many puzzles people could find in their local newspapers. However, over time, it became regarded as the gold standard for crossword enthusiasts. The puzzles are known for being tricky and requiring knowledge of words and a deep understanding of wordplay, culture, and current events.
Understanding the Clue: “Request that one can”
The word “request” is key here. It suggests something someone asks for. The phrase “that one can” hints that the request is feasible, something that a person is able to do. So, the Clue points to a request that is not impossible or too difficult.
In crossword puzzles, thinking of different meanings for words is essential. “Request” can be a polite ask or demand, and “one can” suggests a simple ability. The answer to this Clue needs to be a word that fits the context of asking for something or requesting something in a way that someone can do.
The Answer: “ASK TO”
After thinking through the Clue, it becomes clear that the answer to “Request that one can” is likely “ASK TO.” This phrase works well because it fits the clue’s meaning. “ASK” is the verb, representing the act of requesting, while “TO” shows that the action can be done. The phrase “ask to” is commonly used when someone is requesting permission to do something or to request a specific action.
For example, you might say, “I will ask to leave early,” or “I can ask to join the meeting.” In both cases, you are making a request that is possible to fulfil. This aligns well with the idea of a request that one can make.
Crossword Puzzle Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to crossword puzzles or are just starting with the NYT puzzle, here are a few tips to help you improve your skills.
- Start with the most straightforward clues: Begin with the ones that seem the most straightforward. This will give you some momentum and fill in a few squares to make the more challenging clues easier.
- Look for standard abbreviations: Crosswords often use abbreviations. For instance, “ER” for “emergency room” or “CEO” for “chief executive officer” are common answers.
- Don’t be afraid of wordplay: Many crossword clues involve puns or unusual meanings of words. “Request that one can” is a perfect example of this. Always think of alternate meanings and word combinations.
- Use the crossings: The intersecting words can be helpful. If you’re stuck, focus on the crossing answers and see if they help you solve the Clue.
- Practice, practice, practice: Solving crossword puzzles takes time and practice. The more you do it, the more you’ll get a feel for the types of clues and the common phrases that appear.