Read the Verb: Sand and Darts - Answers & Solutions
Complete answers for this easy crossword puzzle (4x4 grid, 8 clues).
Practice identifying what job a word is doing. A clue can ask for an object, an action, or a description. This 4×4 teaching word square repeats its answer words across and down so you can compare two meanings of each.
Worked solution and clue explanations (contains answers)
Find the action
1 Across begins with “Smooth,” used as a verb. SAND means to smooth a surface with an abrasive. In 1 Down, the same letters name grains on a beach.
Compare two uses of NEAR
6 Across describes something close by. At 3 Down, “Approach” is an action: runners NEAR the finish line. Matching the part of speech prevents an answer that fits only the general topic.
Watch DART change roles
7 Across is a small thrown object: DART. At 4 Down, DART means to move quickly. A clue about movement does not necessarily need RUN; use the required four letters and crossings.
Review the fill
Across and Down both read SAND, AREA, NEAR, DART. Try writing a third clue for SAND that still leads clearly to those four letters. That is a useful way to check whether you understand the answer.
Clues and explanations prepared for Play Crosswords with AI assistance. These exercises use word-square patterns; they are not NYT archive puzzles.
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Across Answers
- 1 Across: Smooth a wooden surface with abrasive paper (4)
- SAND
- 5 Across: A rectangle has this measured in square units (4)
- AREA
- 6 Across: Close by, rather than far away (4)
- NEAR
- 7 Across: Small pointed missile thrown at a numbered board (4)
- DART
Down Answers
- 1 Down: Grains you might empty from beach shoes (4)
- SAND
- 2 Down: Part of a town or a field (4)
- AREA
- 3 Down: Approach, as the finish line (4)
- NEAR
- 4 Down: Move suddenly and quickly (4)
- DART
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