This very moment - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "This very moment," is a classic example of a straightforward, definition-based clue often found in early-week puzzles. It's a friendly entry point for solvers of all levels, testing your ability to find the most direct and common synonym for a given phrase.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple phrase that points to a specific point in time: the immediate present. The words "very moment" add emphasis, ruling out vaguer terms like "soon" or "today" and zeroing in on the concept of immediacy. The puzzle is asking for a word that means, quite literally, right now.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, the thought process is often quick, but it's still a good exercise in crossword fundamentals:

1. Direct Association: Read the clue and let your mind jump to the most obvious synonym. What's the first word you think of when someone says "this very moment"? For most English speakers, a single, three-letter word will pop into their head.
2. Consider the Context: Think about how you'd use this phrase in a sentence. "I need that report on my desk... this very moment!" The replacement word needs to fit that same urgent, immediate context.
3. Use the Crossings: Since the answer is short, it's a prime candidate for confirmation via crossing entries. If you have even one letter, say the central 'O', the answer becomes almost certain. Short, common words like this are often the glue that holds a section of the puzzle together.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is one of the most common words in the English language and, by extension, in crossword puzzles. Its brevity and use of common letters make it an invaluable tool for constructors. It can appear in any part of the grid and is often clued in various ways, from the direct definition we see here to more playful approaches like "When to act" or "Palindrome of immediacy." Recognizing these simple, high-frequency words is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

Conclusion

"This very moment" is a perfect example of a clue that rewards direct thinking. It's a confidence-builder that helps you get a foothold in the grid. By quickly solving clues like this, you establish anchor points (crossing letters) that make tackling the trickier, more complex clues much easier.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about a word that describes the present time.
2. Hint 2: It's a very short, common word.
3. Hint 3: It's the opposite of "then" or "later".
4. Hint 4: It's often used as an exclamation to demand immediate action, like "Do it ____!".

The answer to "This very moment" is NOW.