solve a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solve a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts related to puzzles, mysteries, or games where a clue needs to be interpreted or figured out. Example: "To progress in the escape room, we need to solve a clue that will unlock the next door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their popularity prompted debate among medical types over their effects: was the act of solving a crossword soothing and satisfying, or could the frustration of being unable to solve a clue unbalance a delicate mind?

The Economist

After figuring out all of the letters, you're left with the solution: A MUSICAL OFFERING I wanted to reference one of my favorite puzzle canons of all time Bach's Musical Offering to Frederick the Great, which includes "riddle fugues" that force the musician to solve a clue in order to play.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This family-wrecking comes about when husbands spend time solving a clue rather than earning a crust: Twice within the past week or so there have been reports of police magistrates sternly rationing addicts to three puzzles a day, with an alternative of ten days in the workhouse.

The Guardian

It taught me early on that it's possible to solve a really good clue from its wordplay even when the answer is so obscure you've never heard of it.

The Guardian

Like a good whodunnit, a treasure-hunt story can be the ultimate page-turner (and in a way, all detective novels are treasure hunts too, since the sleuth must solve a series of clues to discover the prize of the murderer's identity).

The Guardian - Books

In the same way a human can learn to solve a problem using clues given by someone who knows how to solve it, they guide the AI to find its own methods to solve problems.

TechCrunch

He previously developed a technology that can solve a commercially published crossword clues but also explain how the clues work in plain English.

TechCrunch

As his site attests, he previously developed a technology that can solve a commercially published crossword clues but also explain how the clues work in plain English.

TechCrunch

The dictionary still sits in our bookcase, and I still refer to it 10 to 15 times a year to look up an obscure meaning or solve an unusual crossword clue.

The New York Times

In "Blue's Clues & You," beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and the live action host on a clue led adventure and solve a daily puzzle.

Huffington Post

Nokia Game (www.nokiagame.com) is billed as an "all media" game, meaning that its players use mobile phones, e-mail, Web sites, television, radio and newspapers to gather clues and solve a mystery.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, use "solve a clue" to add a sense of mystery or intrigue to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "solve a clue" when the context requires a broader term like "address a problem" or "resolve an issue". The phrase is specific to puzzles and mysteries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solve a clue" functions as a verb phrase, where "solve" is the transitive verb and "a clue" is the direct object. The verb indicates the action of finding an answer or solution to something, while the direct object specifies what is being acted upon. Ludwig AI confirms its use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solve a clue" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that describes the act of finding the answer to a puzzle or riddle. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is more common in news and media, fitting creative and narrative contexts. While generally acceptable, consider the context when choosing this phrase, especially in formal or scientific writing where "interpret the information" or "analyze the data" might be more appropriate. Alternative phrases such as "decipher a clue" or "crack a clue" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Remember to use "solve a clue" to add a touch of mystery and intrigue to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decipher a clue

Focuses on the act of interpreting a clue, rather than just solving it.

crack a clue

Implies a quicker or more forceful solution to the clue.

figure out a clue

Emphasizes the mental effort required to understand the clue.

work out a clue

Suggests a process of gradual understanding and problem-solving.

resolve a clue

Indicates a more formal or definitive solution.

interpret a clue

Highlights the understanding and explanation aspect of a clue.

unravel a clue

Emphasizes the complexity of the clue and the effort to simplify it.

decode a clue

Suggests the clue is in a coded or hidden form.

make sense of a clue

Focuses on understanding the underlying meaning of the clue.

find the solution to a clue

Rephrases the solving of a clue as a search for an already existing solution.

FAQs

How can I use "solve a clue" in a sentence?

You can use "solve a clue" in sentences like: "The detective needed to solve a clue to find the missing person" or "In the escape room, we had to solve a clue to unlock the next room".

What is a good alternative to "solve a clue"?

Alternatives include "decipher a clue", "crack a clue", or "figure out a clue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "solve a clue" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "solve a clue" is more suited for creative or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "interpret the information" or "analyze the data" if the context allows.

What kind of puzzles usually involve "solving a clue"?

"Solving a clue" is commonly associated with crossword puzzles, escape rooms, treasure hunts, and mystery novels, where interpreting hidden information is key to progressing.