Connections Hint

July 12 Edition

Category Clues / Possible Answers / Solution Strategies

Daily Puzzle | Difficulty: Medium

Noun Verb

Expert Tip: The Connections puzzle groups 16 words into 4 categories of 4 related items each. Look for multiple meaning words that could fit different categories.

Category Clues

1Types of Trees

Possible answers: Oak, Maple, Pine, Willow

Look for common tree names that might appear in the word list.

2Musical Instruments

Possible answers: Guitar, Piano, Violin, Flute

Instruments that might have alternative meanings could be tricky.

3Body Parts

Possible answers: Arm, Leg, Hand, Foot

Watch for words that might also be verbs or have other meanings.

4Computer Terms

Possible answers: Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor, Drive

Some computer terms have everyday meanings too.

Expert Tip: Start by identifying the most obvious category first, then see how remaining words might group together. Some words may fit multiple categories.

Solution Strategies

1Look for prefixes/suffixes

Words ending in "-ing" or starting with "re-" might form a category.

Example: Running, Swimming, Jumping, Dancing (Sports actions)

2Consider homonyms

Words that sound alike but have different meanings.

Example: Bear (animal), Bear (to carry), Bare (naked), Bare (to reveal)

3Think of word origins

Words derived from other languages might form a category.

Example: Café, Ballet, Kindergarten, Karaoke (Loanwords)

Common Pitfalls

1Overlooking multiple meanings

Crane could be a bird or construction equipment.

Always consider all possible meanings of each word.

2Forcing connections

Don't assume all fruits are in one category - they might be split.

Categories are often more specific than broad groupings.

3Ignoring proper nouns

Names like Jack (name, playing card, device) can be tricky.

Proper nouns often have multiple category possibilities.

4Missing subtle connections

Words might connect through abbreviations or slang terms.

Example: TV (television), PC (computer), DJ (disc jockey), ATM (machine)

Expert Tip: If stuck, try rearranging the words physically or look for words that don't seem to fit anywhere - they might be the key to unlocking a category.