The “This One and That One NYT” puzzle is a fun and simple clue from the New York Times Mini Crossword. In the May 31, 2025 edition, the clue “This one and that one” was answered with the word BOTH, showing how the NYT uses short, everyday words to make puzzles challenging yet enjoyable.
This type of clue teaches you important skills like pattern recognition, problem-solving, and vocabulary building, which are useful not only in crosswords but also in daily thinking and learning. By understanding how these clues work, you can solve the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle faster and more confidently.
Crossword enthusiasts love this puzzle because it combines simplicity with clever wordplay. Short words like BOTH are easy to start with, but noticing synonyms, fill-in-the-blank patterns, and common crossword words will improve your solving speed and mental agility.
In this guide, we will share step-by-step strategies, tips, and examples to help you solve the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle easily. You’ll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, recognize patterns, and enjoy the process of completing the puzzle. By the end, even tricky clues will feel simple, making your mini crossword experience both fun and rewarding.
What Is the “This One and That One NYT” Puzzle?
The “This One and That One NYT” puzzle is a clue from the New York Times Mini Crossword. In the May 31, 2025 edition, the clue “This one and that one” was answered with the word “BOTH”.
This clue is a great example of how NYT uses simple, everyday words to make puzzles challenging but fun. Understanding these types of clues is key to solving them faster.
- Focus: This clue focuses on simple synonyms.
- Tip: Think about short, common words that fit naturally.
By learning patterns like this, you can solve not just this puzzle, but many others.
Start with the Easiest Clues in “This One and That One NYT”
When solving the “This One and That One NYT”, it’s best to begin with clues that are easy for you.
- Why: Easy clues give you letters that help solve harder clues.
- Example: If a clue says “___ of the Tiger,” the answer is likely “Eye.” Filling it in helps with other intersecting words.
Quick Strategy Table:
| Step | Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fill easy clues first | Gives starting letters |
| 2 | Check intersecting words | Helps solve tougher clues |
| 3 | Recheck your answers | Avoids mistakes early |
Starting with simple clues gives confidence and makes the puzzle less stressful.
Look for Fill-in-the-Blank Clues in “This One and That One NYT”
Fill-in-the-blank clues are the easiest to solve. The “This One and That One NYT” puzzle often has clues like this.
- Example: “___ and That One” is already hinting at the answer “BOTH.”
- Tip: Focus on common phrases or sayings. Crossword creators love using them.
Fill-in-the-blank clues are your friend because they often lead to quick wins.
Use Crossword-Friendly Words in “This One and That One NYT”
Many crossword answers are short, common words. For example:
- BOTH – This is the answer for our focus puzzle.
- ALSO – Often appears in similar puzzles.
- AREA, UNIT, EACH – Common short words you should memorize.
Why it helps: Once you know common crossword words, your solving speed increases significantly.
Pay Attention to Word Length in “This One and That One NYT”
Each clue in a crossword puzzle comes with a specific number of letters. Paying attention to the word length can give you important hints and help you guess answers faster. In the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle, knowing that the answer is a four-letter word immediately narrows down your possibilities.
Example:
- Clue: “This one and that one”
- Letter count: 4
- Likely answer: BOTH
Tips to Use Word Length Effectively:
- Count Letters First: Always check the number of spaces before guessing.
- Think of Common Words: Certain letter counts often correspond to short, common words like BOTH, ALSO, EACH, AREA, UNIT.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If some letters are already filled in from other clues, match them with the word length.
- Check for Plurals: A clue might indicate multiple items (ending in “S”), which helps with longer answers.
- Combine with Clue Type: Fill-in-the-blank clues plus word length usually give the answer very quickly.
Extra Example:
- Clue: “Part of a pair” (3 letters) → TWO
- Clue: “Opposite of start” (3 letters) → END
By consistently paying attention to word length, you can solve even tricky puzzles faster and with more confidence. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in your crossword-solving skills.
Consider Synonyms and Wordplay in “This One and That One NYT”
Sometimes, the clue’s answer is a synonym or a clever play on words. The “This One and That One NYT” is a good example.
- Clue: “This one and that one”
- Answer: BOTH
- Why: BOTH is a simple synonym for “this one and that one.”
Tip: Think of multiple meanings or simple words that fit the clue. Crossword puzzles often use wordplay to make you think differently.
Example Breakdown of “This One and That One NYT”
Here’s a full breakdown of solving the clue:
| Clue | “This one and that one” |
|---|---|
| Letters | 4 |
| First thought | Could it be “BOTH”? |
| Synonym check | “This one and that one” = BOTH |
| Fill in answer | ✅ BOTH |
Using a table like this can help visualize and solve other clues in the puzzle.
Additional Strategies for “This One and That One NYT”
Here are extra tips for solving this puzzle and similar NYT Mini Crosswords:
- Practice Daily: The more you solve, the easier it gets.
- Start in Corners: Top-left or bottom-right often helps identify easier clues.
- Use Pencil First: If unsure, write lightly to avoid mistakes.
- Check Intersections: One correct word often unlocks multiple others.
- Stay Calm: If stuck, take a short break and come back with fresh eyes.
FAQs
What is the answer to the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle?
The “This One and That One NYT” puzzle is a clue from the New York Times Mini Crossword. The answer is BOTH, which represents “this one and that one” in simple, common language. Knowing common crossword answers like this can help you solve similar puzzles quickly.
How can I solve the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle faster?
To solve the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle quickly:
- Start with the easiest clues first.
- Look for fill-in-the-blank clues.
- Pay attention to word lengths.
- Consider synonyms or wordplay.
These strategies make solving mini crosswords faster and more enjoyable.
Why is the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle popular among solvers?
The “This One and That One NYT” puzzle is popular because it combines simplicity with challenge. Short, common words like BOTH make it easy to start, while recognizing patterns and wordplay improves focus, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills. Learn more here.
Are there tips for beginners to solve “This One and That One NYT”?
Yes! Beginners can benefit from:
- Starting with easy clues to gain letters.
- Using pencil to mark uncertain answers.
- Practicing daily to spot common patterns.
These methods make the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle accessible and fun for new solvers.
How does solving “This One and That One NYT” improve brain skills?
Solving puzzles like “This One and That One NYT” enhances critical thinking, memory, and concentration. It encourages pattern recognition, creative thinking, and problem-solving—skills useful in coding, learning, and everyday decision-making.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in “This One and That One NYT”
- Guessing without clues
- Ignoring word length
- Overcomplicating simple phrases like “BOTH”
- Skipping fill-in-the-blank clues
Avoiding these mistakes saves time and frustration.
About Five Star Coder
At Five Star Coder, we help learners and professionals improve their coding, design, and app-building skills. Our hands-on training programs focus on real-world projects, making learning practical, interactive, and fun. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your coding journey or an experienced developer aiming to enhance your skills, Five Star Coder has courses and workshops designed for every level.
We believe that learning by doing is the most effective approach. That’s why our programs combine theory with practical exercises, coding challenges, and mini-projects. You won’t just learn concepts—you’ll apply them immediately, building confidence and competence along the way.
Problem-solving is at the heart of everything we teach. Just like solving puzzles such as the “This One and That One NYT”, coding and app development require logical thinking, patience, and creativity. Our courses are designed to sharpen these skills, helping you tackle challenges efficiently in the tech world and beyond.
Beyond technical skills, Five Star Coder also focuses on career growth. We provide guidance on building strong portfolios, preparing for interviews, and working on collaborative projects. Our expert instructors mentor you through every step, ensuring you’re ready to excel in real-world scenarios.
For learners who love a challenge, check out our related blog: Top Coding Challenges to Improve Problem-Solving Skills. It’s packed with exercises and tips that will sharpen your thinking and make problem-solving enjoyable.
At Five Star Coder, we’re more than just a learning platform—we’re a community of curious, driven individuals who want to grow, innovate, and succeed together. Join us today and start transforming your skills into real-world achievements.
Final Thoughts on “This One and That One NYT”
The puzzle may seem simple at first glance, but it is more than just a small challenge—it is a tool for building important mental skills. Solving it regularly helps improve patience, focus, and pattern recognition, which are useful in many areas of life, not just crossword puzzles.
By following the strategies in this guide—starting with easy clues, using fill-in-the-blank tactics, paying attention to word lengths, and thinking about synonyms—you can solve puzzles more efficiently and with less stress. Every solved clue gives a small sense of accomplishment, and completing the puzzle feels very rewarding.
Regular practice with mini crosswords also improves your vocabulary and ability to think creatively. You’ll start noticing common patterns, frequently used words, and the clever ways puzzle creators use language. Over time, even tricky puzzles will start to feel familiar and easier to tackle.
It’s also a fun habit! Spending just a few minutes a day on NYT Mini Crosswords can be a relaxing break from your usual routine. You can even turn it into a friendly challenge with friends or family—see who finishes first or who can guess tricky clues correctly.
Remember, solving puzzles is not just about speed—it’s about enjoying the process and sharpening your mind. With patience and practice, crosswords can become an exciting daily routine that keeps your brain active and engaged.
So, keep your pencil ready, take your time, and enjoy each step of completing the “This One and That One NYT” puzzle. Soon, you’ll notice your solving skills improving naturally, and no clue will seem too difficult to tackle.
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