A two-word phrase indicating a state as much as the current second is a typical crossword puzzle clue. Examples embody “to date,” “till now,” or “to this point.” These phrases operate as adverbial phrases, modifying the verb in a sentence to specify the timeframe of an motion or state.
Such clues are efficient instruments for crossword constructors as a result of they provide concise phrasing with a number of doable solutions. This ambiguity creates a satisfying problem for solvers, requiring them to contemplate varied synonyms and associated ideas. Using these phrases additionally displays the wealthy historical past of crosswords, which have lengthy relied on idiomatic expressions and on a regular basis language. Understanding the nuances of those phrases could be precious not just for crossword fixing but in addition for normal language comprehension.