commands a crew informally crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "commands a crew informally", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a full answer, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "commands a crew informally crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SKIPS: Informal term for commanding or leading a boat's crew.
HEADS: Directs or is in charge of a group, often informally.
6 Letters
BOSSES: Informally directs or manages a group of workers or a crew.
More About "commands a crew informally crossword clue"
Crossword clues often play on the nuances of language, and "commands a crew informally" is a perfect example. The key here isn't just "commands a crew," but the crucial adverb "informally." This tells solvers to avoid formal or official titles like "captains" or "directs" and instead look for everyday, colloquial terms.
Words like "SKIPS" (as in "skippers," an informal term for a boat captain) or "BOSSES" (to informally manage or oversee) fit this criterion perfectly. These terms are commonly used in casual conversation to describe someone in charge, aligning with the "informally" qualifier.
Understanding these subtle linguistic cues is vital for mastering crosswords. It's about recognizing when a clue is asking for a formal synonym versus a slang term, and clues with adverbs like "informally," "casually," or "loosely" are strong indicators to think outside the formal dictionary definition.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Pay Attention to Adverbs: As seen with "informally," adverbs like "roughly," "often," "formerly," or "casually" are critical. They dictate the tone or context of the answer, guiding you towards synonyms that fit a specific register (e.g., formal, informal, archaic, modern).
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have several definitions. If an answer doesn't immediately click, consider other meanings of the clue's words. For "crew," think beyond just a ship's crew to a work crew, a film crew, or even a casual group of friends.
- Look for Letter Count Matches: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, check if their letter count matches any empty slots in your puzzle. This is a primary way to confirm a correct answer or rule out incorrect ones.
- Think about Homophones and Puns: Some clues use wordplay. "Commands a crew informally" isn't a pun, but others might be. Be open to answers that sound like a word in the clue but are spelled differently.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'informal'?
An informal clue often uses slang, colloquialisms, or less formal synonyms. For 'commands a crew informally', you'd look for words like 'bosses' or 'skips' rather than 'captains' or 'directs'.
How do I narrow down answers for clues with 'informally'?
Pay attention to the tone. If a clue includes 'informally,' 'casually,' 'colloquially,' or 'slangily,' the answer is likely to be a less formal word. Think of common everyday language rather than official or technical terms.
Are there other common informal terms for 'command' in crosswords?
Yes, beyond 'skips' or 'bosses', you might see terms like 'runs' (as in 'runs the show'), 'heads up' (as a verb), or even certain verbs describing informal delegation like 'nags' (though less direct command).