How To Solve Anagram Clues
In contrast, with cryptic crosswords, it is never quite clear what the anagram is of: that is, which letters form what is called the 'anagram fodder'. However with practice you can spot anagram indicators, and there are some quite common words often used to do so - see our blog article on anagram indicators in cryptic puzzles for more on this.
Assuming you know what the letters are, there are a few ways to solve the anagram:
1) Just look at the letters 'as is' until the answer comes to you
2) Use an online tool - enter the letters into an anagram solver and see what comes up
3) Solve it yourself, but by writing the letters in another order. Common options include:
a) Writing the letters in alphabetical order ;
b) Writing all the vowels, then all the consonants (or vice versa);
c) Not writing the letters of the anagram in linear format but rather something else, most popular seems to be in a circle, like a word wheel.
Solving anagrams definitely requires practice - the more you solve, the quicker you can spot them. Of course some people are naturally more adept at spotting anagrams than others, but anyone can get better with practice.
If you are struggling with an anagram, then it could contain unusual letter combinations, such as consonants that rarely go together. Or perhaps it is what many consider the hardest form of anagram to spot - a word that is a combination of words itself (eg stagecoach) - for whatever reason many people find these sorts of anagrams particularly tricky to solve.
Remember too that in a crossword it's possible the anagram answer will be a proper noun, such as a city, so don't think about just finding dictionary words.
When you do solve an anagram clue, you'll want to quickly check that you can't think of any other words that are also anagrams of the same letters, as it can be frustrating to place one anagram only to find another one later and have to change your answer.
If you have any particular methods you find help you solve anagram clues, then please do share them below - it would be interesting to know and also no doubt be of help to other Wordy Puzzle members.
Date written: 21 Mar 2015
Comment on this post
You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login
Solving Aids And Solving Crossword Clues
When it comes to solving crosswords, where do you stand on the debate with regard to using solving aids?
Some people think that there is something "wrong" with using solving aids - in the very particular sense that it is a form of cheating, whilst for...
Added: 30 Apr 2015
Computers And Cryptic Crosswords
One of the debates that pops up from time to time is around cryptic crosswords and computers - and specifically whether a computer program can be written to create a good cryptic crossword.
Now, in this debate it is generally assumed that what is...
Added: 19 Mar 2015
Tips On Writing Crossword Clues
Writing crossword clues is a difficult art form, and there is no doubt that lots of practice is essential to getting it right. It is also worth noting right from the start that the style and balance of clues you write will depend very much on the type of...
Added: 04 Apr 2015
Wordwheel Solving Tips
When it comes to solving wordwheel puzzles, then there are only really two methods you can use to solve the puzzle: systematic or random.
The random method is probably the more common: here you simply look at the letters in the grid, and allow your...
Added: 09 Apr 2015
Creating A New Type Of Word Puzzle
Creating a new type of puzzle is always exciting. Here are some suggestions as to how to go about the process:
Firstly, you need the idea. This is obviously the most important element. The best way to go about this is often to look at an existing...
Added: 17 May 2015
Back to Puzzle Blog
Puzzle Types:
