Match the Number: A Team Exercise
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Learn to notice plural clues and phrases that need a partner word. All eight entries in this 4×4 word-square exercise are fully crossed, and the Across and Down answer words repeat.
Worked solution and clue explanations (contains answers)
Keep the plural ending
7 Across says “Actors,” not “Actor.” HAMS is the plural of HAM, a performer who overacts. The final S is part of the answer, not an optional extra.
Complete the phrase
3 Down asks you to join forces, with “up.” TEAM completes TEAM UP. The clue supplies UP, so enter only TEAM in the four cells.
Notice the regional wording
1 Across and 1 Down specify the US because MATH is the common American short form. MATHS is common in British English but would require five cells.
Check every direction
The answers in both directions are MATH, AREA, TEAM, HAMS. At 4 Down, HAMS refers to food rather than performers. Once the grid is filled, explain that difference aloud before moving to a larger puzzle.
Clues and explanations prepared for Play Crosswords with AI assistance. These exercises use word-square patterns; they are not NYT archive puzzles.
Crossword Clues
Across
- 1 Across
- School subject covering fractions, informally in the US (4 letters)
- 5 Across
- Space inside the boundary of a flat shape (4 letters)
- 6 Across
- Players working together on one side (4 letters)
- 7 Across
- Actors who overdo every gesture (4 letters)
Down
- 1 Down
- Arithmetic class, informally in the US (4 letters)
- 2 Down
- Section of a building or neighbourhood (4 letters)
- 3 Down
- Join forces, with “up” (4 letters)
- 4 Down
- Cured pork cuts sold whole or sliced (4 letters)