Performed in a play - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Performed in a play," from the NYT Mini-Crossword is a classic example of a straightforward, definitional clue. It's the kind of entry that helps solvers get a solid foothold in the grid, especially in a quick puzzle like the Mini. Let's break down how to approach this simple yet satisfying clue.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple phrase: "Performed in a play". This is a direct definition. The key components are:

• "Performed": This is a verb in the past tense. This is a huge hint! The answer is very likely to be a past-tense verb as well.
• "in a play": This specifies the context. What verb describes performing in a theatrical production?

The most common verb for this action is "to act". Since the clue is in the past tense ("Performed"), the answer will be the past tense of "act".

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, several thought processes can lead you to the answer quickly:

1. Direct Definition: Your brain likely makes an immediate connection. "Performing in a play" is the very definition of acting. The clue's past tense points you directly to the past-tense form of the verb.

2. Tense Matching: A fundamental crossword rule is that the clue and answer should match in tense and part of speech. "Performed" is a past-tense verb, so you should be looking for a past-tense verb. If you think of the root verb "act", you simply need to conjugate it to match: ACTED.

3. Synonym Search: Think of other ways to say "performed in a play." You might come up with "portrayed a character," "was on stage," or "played a role." All of these concepts revolve around the central idea of acting.

4. Using Crossings: In a crossword, you're never solving in a vacuum. If you had a few crossing letters, this answer would become even more obvious. For example, if you had A_ _ _D, the answer would likely jump out at you.

Background Context

The word "act" is deeply rooted in the world of theater. An act is a main division of a play, ballet, or opera. The verb "to act" naturally derives from this, meaning to take part in the action of the play. This dual meaning makes "ACT" a versatile and common word in crosswords, and its past-tense form, ACTED, is just as frequent due to its friendly letter combination (A, C, T, E, D).

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of a crossword "gimme." It's clear, concise, and relies on common knowledge. By paying attention to the tense of the clue ("Performed"), solvers can confidently fill in the grid and build momentum for the trickier entries. It's a great reminder that not every clue is a puzzle; some are just simple questions.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Something you do on a stage.
2. Hint 2: It's the past tense of a verb.
3. Hint 3: Synonymous with "portrayed" or "emulated".
4. Hint 4: The root word is a division of a theatrical performance.

The answer to the clue "Performed in a play" is ACTED.