be of use crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "be of use," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "be of use crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AID: To provide help or support, thereby being useful.
4 Letters
HELP: To make it easier or possible for someone to do something by offering services; to be useful for a purpose.
5 Letters
SERVE: To be functional or useful for a specific purpose or role.
AVAIL: To be of use or benefit to someone; to take advantage of an opportunity.
6 Letters
ASSIST: To give support or aid to someone or something, making one's contribution useful.
More About "be of use crossword clue"
The phrase "be of use" often appears in crosswords as a straightforward clue for synonyms related to helpfulness, functionality, or utility. It's a common idiom meaning to be beneficial or to serve a purpose. Crossword setters love to use such idiomatic expressions because they allow for a variety of short, common verbs as answers.
Understanding the nuances of these words is key. For instance, while both 'AID' and 'HELP' denote assistance, 'SERVE' can imply a more specific function or duty, and 'AVAIL' often relates to personal benefit or taking advantage of resources. 'ASSIST' is a slightly more formal synonym for helping. Recognizing these subtle differences can help you pinpoint the exact word fitting your puzzle's constraints.
When you encounter this clue, think about the context of the puzzle and any intersecting letters you might already have. This clue almost always points to a simple verb that describes the act of providing benefit or having utility, making it a relatively accessible clue once you consider the common synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer to the number of letters required. This is your most powerful filter for clues like "be of use."
- Consider Common Synonyms: For a clue like "be of use," immediately brainstorm common one-word synonyms for "help," "benefit," or "function." Words like AID, HELP, SERVE, and ASSIST are frequently seen.
- Look at Intersecting Words: If you have letters from crossing clues, use them to confirm or narrow down your choices. This is especially helpful when multiple answers for a clue have the same length.
- Think Verb Forms: "Be of use" implies an action. Focus on active verbs that describe performing a helpful function rather than nouns or adjectives.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "be of use" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "be of use" typically refers to synonyms of functionality, helpfulness, or utility. Common answers include verbs like AID, HELP, SERVE, or ASSIST, emphasizing their active role in providing assistance or value.
How do I determine the correct length answer for "be of use"?
The length of the answer is crucial. If you have intersecting letters, they will often guide you. Otherwise, consider how many letters the puzzle indicates for the answer slot. Common lengths for "be of use" are 3, 4, 5, or 6 letters, each corresponding to a different synonym.
Are there other phrases similar to "be of use" often seen in crosswords?
Yes, clues like "come in handy," "prove useful," "serve a purpose," or "provide help" are very similar. They all point to words describing utility or assistance, making synonyms like AID, HELP, SERVE, or ASSIST frequently recurring answers across various puzzles.