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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Synonyms of write

• as in to pen
• as in to communicate
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Thesaurus Definition of write

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scratch (out)
• pencil (in)
• communicate
• intercommunicate

Phrases Containing write

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“Write.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/write. Accessed 11 May. 2024.

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20 words that are spelled the same but have different meanings

• There are lots of English language words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. 
• A baseball bat and the nocturnal animal bat are good examples of a "homonym."
• An airy wind and "to wind down" are homographs, too.

It's no secret that the English language can be tricky . For anyone learning the language , it's difficult to grasp all the drastic differences a single word can have. 

People most get tripped up on words that are too similar. When words are spelled the same and sound the same but have different meanings, then they are called homonyms. When they are just spelled the same but sound different and have different meanings, then they are homographs. 

Here are some of the most popular homonyms and homographs in the English language. 

When used as a noun, a bat could be a winged, nocturnal animal or a piece of sporting equipment used in baseball. It can also be used as a verb when a player goes up to bat during a baseball game. 

When used as an adjective, "compact" means small, but when used as a verb, it means to make something smaller. It can also be used as a noun when talking about a small case for makeup.

As a noun, "desert" is a dry, barren area of land where little rain occurs. When used as a verb, the word means to abandon a person or cause. 

The word "fair" has a few meanings when used as different parts of speech. When used as an adjective, it can describe someone as agreeable, but it can also describe someone who has light skin or hair. As a noun, a "fair" is typically a local event that celebrates a certain person, place, or historical moment. 

"Lie" could mean to lay down and to tell something untruthful when used as an adjective. If used as a noun, it is a false statement. 

The word "lead" could be the verb that means to guide someone or something, while the noun version of the word pertains to the metal. 

The word "minute" can be a measure of time or a measurement of how small something is. 

To decline or accept something is the verb form of "refuse," while garbage is the noun form. 

The word "project" has several meanings as a verb. It could mean to plan, to throw, or to cast an image on a surface. As a noun, it is a task or piece of work. 

Like the word "minute," "second" is another measurement of time, while it can also denote the placement of something after the first. 

The word "fine" has several meanings, including two different adjectives. First, it can be used to describe something as high quality and second, it can describe something especially thin. As a noun, "fine" means a payment for a violation. 

When pronounced slightly differently, the word "entrance" has multiple meanings. As a noun, an entrance is a point of access and entry. It could also be used to describe a dramatic arrival, like a bride at her wedding. However, as a verb, to entrance means to bewitch and delight. 

The verb form of "clip" can actually get quite confusing. The word can actually mean to cut something apart or to attach together. The word even has a noun form, which is an object that helps attach two things. 

To overlook means to fail to notice something, but when the word is used as a noun, it is a place where you can look down and see from a higher vantage point. 

"Consult" is another one of those tricky words that have two different meanings and they are opposites of each other. "To consult" can mean  to seek advice or to give professional advice.

As a noun, a "row" means a fight or disagreement. It could also refer to how something is organized into a line. As a verb, "to row" means to propel a boat forward. 

As a noun, "discount" is a reduction in price and can also be used as a synonym to "on sale." But when used as a verb, the word means to underestimate someone or something and give them no value.  

A subtle difference in pronunciation completely changes the word "wind." It can refer to a flow of air or it can mean to turn. 

When used as a noun, "contract" is a written or verbal agreement, but when used as a verb, it means to acquire or to get. 

As a noun, an "object" is anything that you can see or touch. It could also be a synonym to a "goal." When used as a verb, it means to express your disapproval — typically used in courtrooms. 

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 200+ other words for said: synonyms to spice up your writing.

General Education

One of the words that comes up most commonly in various types of writing, from fiction to academic writing, is the word “said.” Any time a writer is referencing the words or thoughts expressed by another person, whether that be thoughts expressed verbally or in writing, an appropriate way to introduce--or attribute--that person’s thoughts is with the phrase “said.” 

But if you’re incorporating a lot of quotations in your writing, you might find yourself repeating  the word “said” a lot. Repeating the same phrase in a piece of writing can start to feel monotonous, which is why incorporating synonyms or an oft-used word or phrase can make your writing more interesting and accurate. But here’s some good news: there are tons of other words for “said” out there for you to use! 

To help you build a repertoire of words to replace “said,” we’re going to do the following in this article: 

• Explain the importance of using word variety and avoiding repetition of the same word in your writing
• Explain when to use “said” and when not to use “said” 
• Provide a comprehensive list of alternative words for “said,” organized into categories based on emotion and intention

Ready to check out some synonyms for “said”? Then let’s get going!

Other Words for Said 

To give you the most comprehensive and easy-to-navigate list, we’ve organized our list into two main categories: first, we’re including several lists of other words for “said” by emotion , and second, we’re including several lists of different words for “said” by intention or action . You can decide what meaning you’re trying to express in your writing, and use our lists accordingly!

Happy Words to Use Instead of “Said”

We’re going to kick off our list by giving you a lot of other words for “said” by emotion, starting with synonyms for “said” that convey a happy, joyful, or positive tone. 

Sad Words to Use Instead of “Said” 

Sadness is a common emotion expressed in writing--let’s look at a few synonyms for “said” that convey sadness. 

Angry Words to Replace “Said”

There are a ton of synonyms for “said” that express anger, and we’ve included several of them for you here. 

Different Words for “Said” That Express Shock or Surprise

When you want to communicate a tone of shock or surprise in your writing, try using these synonyms for “said”! 

Other Words for “Said” That Express Fear

The last emotion it might be helpful to be able to express accurately and vividly in your writing is fear. Here’s a list of synonyms for “said” that you can use to demonstrate a feeling of fear. 

Words to Replace “Said” That Are Expository

If you’re working with a quote in which the speaker is clarifying information or explaining something, you can try out these words instead of “said”!

Other Words for “Said” That Are Argumentative

When you incorporate quotes or dialogue that make an argument, use these synonyms for “said” in your attributions.

Words to Use Instead of “Said” That Are Critical 

If a speaker in a quote or piece of dialogue is forming a critique, incorporate one of these different words for “said” in your attribution.

Words to Use Instead of “Said” That Are Implicative

Try using these alternative words for “said” that imply meaning. 

Words to Replace “Said” That Seek Information

Sometimes you need to include an attribution that shows a speaker is searching for information. These synonyms for “said” can help you establish a tone of inquisitiveness!

Words to Replace “Said” That Reveal Information

Finally, if you need a word other than “said” that reveals information, try out the options in the list below. 

When to Use Different Words for “Said” in Your Writing...And When Not To

In most cases, deciding when to use words other than “said” in your writing is up to your discretion. But there are actually some situations when it’s correct to use “said” exclusively to attribute a piece of dialogue or a quote in your writing . This depends on the type of writing, so we’re going to break down the situations when you should definitely use “said” here!

The first situation where you can expect to see writers exclusively using “said” is in any type of writing that relies on AP Style . “AP” stands for “Associated Press,” and this set of style guidelines is the standard for journalistic writing. This includes writing for newspapers, magazines, and public relations in the United States. AP Style provides a lot of rules about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use, and using “said” for quote attribution is one of those rules.

Impartiality and objectivity are two values that are extremely important in journalistic writing. Unlike many synonyms for “said,” which reveal a speaker’s feelings, attitude, or intentions, “said” doesn’t try to interpret the feelings, attitude, or intentions of the speaker. “Said” just states factual information: the words in the quote were spoken by a person or group of people . Using “said” allows the journalist to remain impartial and objective about the information, and it also lets readers interpret the meaning of quoted material on their own. 

Technical Writing

While not exactly a rule, using “said” is an unspoken expectation for quote attribution in technical writing. Technical writing is a style of writing used in business environments and some scientific fields, like engineering . It’s important for this style of writing to be clear, specific, and, in most cases, concise. In fact, readers of technical writing appreciate a writer’s ability to communicate directly and plainly by using short, direct words. That’s why “said” is the best choice for introducing quotes or paraphrases in technical writing: it’s clear, specific, and concise. 

Creative Writing 

Creative writing is a third situation that might require you to think strategically about when to use “said.” In creative writing--like fiction, for instance--when and how often to use “said” is pretty much up for debate. There are a lot of synonyms for “said” that you can use to convey the emotions or intentions of a character in dialogue, but you don’t necessarily have to use some flowery synonym for “said” every time you include a piece of dialogue in creative writing. In fact, sometimes it’s okay to strategically omit attributions altogether. 

Here’s one example of a way to present dialogue in creative writing that doesn’t overuse attributions: 

“I suppose I didn’t see the point.” Paige shook her head. “It’s not like you would’ve let me go if I’d told you ahead of time.” 

“That’s really selfish, Paige.” 

Even without attributions for every piece of dialogue in the example above, you can still get an idea of how the characters feel and what their intentions are through the dialogue beats (“She crossed her arms angrily,” and, “Paige shook her head”) . Alternatively, dialogue attributions in creative writing are another place where word variety is important. Your attributions are a great way for you to add emotion and imagery to your work. That means sometimes you might simply use “said,” sometimes you might use a more expressive synonym for “said,” and other times you might forego attributions altogether.

Academic Writing

One final writing situation where you’ll find yourself needing to make decisions about when to use “said” is academic, research-based writing. In academic writing, it’s important to be clear about who you are quoting and to provide adequate context for the quote you include. For example, if the scholar you’re quoting is making an argument in the quote you include, it would be more accurate to say, “Dr. Garcia argued” or “Dr. Garcia claimed,” instead of “Dr. Garcia said .” Using a quote attribution that gives your reader a clearer sense of the speaker or writer’s purpose and tone. 

3 Reasons Why Word Variety Is Important in Writing

Word variety is important to any type of writing for three main reasons: using a variety of words can make your writing more engaging, more accurate, and more expressive .

First, using a variety of words can make your writing more engaging and interesting for the people who are reading it. In some types of writing, like poetry , repetition is used as a strategic stylistic device. In lots of cases, though, writers repeat the same word because they don’t know its synonyms. After a while, readers might feel a bit exhausted by repetitiveness in a piece of writing. That’s one reason why knowing and using synonyms for commonly repeated words is so important!

Second, word variety can make your writing more accurate. For example, while “said” is always going to accurately describe a piece of dialogue or a quote from an outside source, there are words to use instead of “said” that can reveal the intention behind dialogue or the information conveyed in a quote . 

Let’s say you incorporate a quote where the author is disagreeing with a point made by a scholar. Sure, you could introduce that quote with, “Dr. Smith said.” But you could be more accurate by introducing the quote with a word that indicates that the quote is going to express disagreement, like, “Dr. Smith countered ” or “Dr. Smith responded .” 

Finally, your writing is expressive and vivid when you avoid repetition . When your word choice reflects the emotions or tone expressed by a quote or piece of dialogue that you include in your writing, your readers can get a better sense of your intended meaning. Using synonyms for “said” to create tone and imagery in your writing can help readers better understand your position and make them more willing to buy into your ideas. 

What’s Next? 

If you’re studying for the verbal portion of your SAT or ACT, we’ve got you covered. Here are our expert guides to the verbal portions of the SAT and ACT , and we even have tips and tricks to help you tackle the essay sections ! These are just a few of the tons (and tons!) of resources we have, so be sure to check out our blog for more information.

This cheat sheet for ways to say “said” can be really helpful if you’re starting to write your college admissions essays . Learn how to start your essay off perfectly , and make sure you know the biggest mistakes you should avoid , too.

If you’re using this guide to help you write creatively, you might be a great fit for a creative writing degree ! Here’s a guide to the best creative writing colleges and programs in the United States. 

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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25 Words That Have Completely Different Meanings Today Than 50 Years Ago

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Language doesn’t just sit still – it moves with us, changes with the times, and adapts to our ever-evolving world. Think of it as a journey through our collective experience, where words take on new roles and meanings. Here are 25 words that have different meanings today than 50 years ago.

“Cloud” used to make us look up and search for shapes in the sky. Now, it’s got us looking down into our devices, saving photos and files in a digital “cloud.” It’s a prime example of how tech has reshaped our vocabulary. Gone are the days when clouds were weather-related. Today, they’re more about data storage than rain storage.

Remember when “tablet” meant a slab of stone for ancient inscriptions? Fast forward to now, and it’s our go-to gadget for everything digital. It’s fascinating how it’s still something we write on, just with a stylus or our fingers. The leap from stone to sleek device captures how far we’ve come. It’s a blend of the old and new wrapped up in one word.

“Viral” once meant something you’d want to avoid at all costs because it meant being sick. Today, going viral is often the goal, at least online, which means spreading content far and wide. It’s funny how we’ve taken a word associated with illness and turned it into a sign of success. This shift reflects our deep dive into digital life. Going viral is more about likes and shares than sniffles and coughs.

A “mouse” used to be that little critter you’d hope not to find in your house. Now, it’s practically attached to our hands, helping us navigate the digital world. It’s a small shift in meaning but a giant leap in how we interact with technology. The transition from living creature to essential computer accessory is pretty wild. It shows how tech finds new uses for old words.

“Stream” took us from picturing a gentle flow of water in nature to binge-watching our favorite shows online. It’s like we’ve channeled the flow of entertainment directly into our homes. This word perfectly captures the shift from physical to digital consumption. It’s all about how we now expect entertainment at the tap of a button. Streaming has changed the game, making access to content more fluid.

Ghosting wasn’t even on our radar 50 years ago. Now, it’s the go-to term for disappearing on someone digitally. It shows how online relationships have their own set of challenges. This term adds a spooky layer to ignoring someone, doesn’t it? It’s interesting how technology has introduced new behaviors and words to describe them.

Once just a fish, “catfish” also describes deceiving someone online with a fake identity. It’s a word that’s grown to capture the darker side of digital interactions. This transformation highlights how the internet can be a wild, unpredictable place. It’s curious how a term from nature now describes human behavior online. It’s a reminder to stay alert in the digital sea.

From a creature in fairy tales to causing mischief online, “troll” has taken on a new life in the digital age. It represents someone looking to stir up trouble on the internet. This shift shows how old myths can find new meaning in modern contexts. Trolling has become a part of internet culture, for better or worse. It’s a term that’s evolved to describe the darker corners of online communities.

“Woke” used to mean awake simply. Now, it’s about being aware and informed about social issues. It’s fascinating how it’s evolved to represent a deeper understanding and consciousness. This word captures a shift towards more active engagement with the world around us. It’s a sign of how language adapts to reflect societal changes.

To “cancel” something was just about stopping it or crossing it out. These days, it’s got a whole new social dimension, referring to calling someone out on social media. It’s interesting how it’s become part of the accountability culture online. This word’s evolution shows how social dynamics play out in new arenas. It’s a term that reflects the power of the collective voice in the digital age.

Binge-watch

“Binge-watch” wasn’t a thing back then; TV schedules dictated our watching habits. Now, it means devouring entire seasons in one sitting, thanks to streaming services. It’s a testament to how viewing habits have transformed with technology. This term perfectly captures the era of on-demand entertainment. It’s all about how we’ve gained control over what we watch and when.

A “meme” was originally a concept for spreading cultural ideas. Now, it’s synonymous with viral internet humor. It’s a shift that shows how ideas spread in the digital age. Memes have become a language of their own online. It’s remarkable how a term from academic circles has become a staple of internet culture.

“Stan” came from an Eminem song, and now it describes an intense fan. It’s a word that reflects the depth of fandom in today’s culture. This evolution highlights how fandom has become more visible and vocal. It’s interesting how music can birth new terms that capture the zeitgeist. The term “stan” shows the powerful connection between artists and their fans.

“Ship” went from a large boat to rooting for fictional or real-life couples. It’s a term that shows how invested we’ve become in relationships, even fictional ones. This shift is about fans’ desire to see their favorite characters together. It’s fascinating how it’s become a verb with a specific, passionate meaning. It captures the creativity of fan communities in shaping their narratives.

“Savage” used to mean wild or uncivilized. Now, it’s about being fiercely witty or brutally honest. It’s a word taken on a positive spin for calling out nonsense or being real. This change reflects a broader acceptance of boldness and straight talk. It’s interesting how a word associated with harshness has become a badge of honor.

A “startup” was any new business. Today, it refers explicitly to tech-driven ventures aiming for rapid growth. It’s a term that encapsulates the ambition and innovation of the tech era. This shift highlights how the business landscape has changed, with technology at its core. It’s remarkable how “startup” has come to symbolize a dream of making it big in the tech world.

“Unicorn” once exclusively meant a mythical creature. Now, it also describes startups valued at over a billion dollars. It’s a term that captures such companies’ rarity and coveted status. This evolution shows the aspirational nature of the startup world. It’s fascinating how a term from fantasy now denotes extraordinary success in business.

Blockchain wasn’t in our vocabulary 50 years ago. Now, it’s a revolutionary technology behind cryptocurrencies. It represents a shift towards transparency and security in digital transactions. This term embodies the cutting-edge of financial technology. It’s a prime example of how new innovations create new languages.

An “influencer” used to mean someone with the power to affect decisions. Now, it’s about social media personalities shaping trends and purchases. It’s a role that’s emerged from how we consume media and make buying decisions. This shift underscores the impact of social media on commerce and culture. It’s interesting how influence has been redefined in the digital age.

“Gig” meant a live performance, especially for musicians. Now, it describes any temporary or freelance job, reflecting the rise of the gig economy. It’s a shift showing how work has become more flexible and less secure. This term captures the changing nature of employment and the workforce. It’s a word adapted to modern work life’s realities.

“Green” was just a color. Now, it symbolizes environmentalism and sustainability. It’s a term that reflects a growing concern for the planet. This shift highlights how environmental issues have moved to the forefront. It’s remarkable how a simple color has come to represent a complex and urgent set of values.

Carbon footprint

“Carbon footprint” wasn’t part of the conversation 50 years ago. Now, it’s a key measure of environmental impact. It’s a term that’s become critical in discussing climate change. This evolution shows the increasing awareness and concern for our planet’s health. It’s a concept that challenges us to think about our personal role in global sustainability.

To “recycle” was always about reusing materials, but its urgency has skyrocketed. Now, it’s a crucial part of environmental conservation efforts. This shift underscores the importance of sustainable practices. It’s a term that’s evolved to represent an essential action in combating waste. It’s fascinating how recycling has become a fundamental aspect of being environmentally responsible.

Sustainability

“Sustainability” was once a broad term, but now it’s focused on meeting today’s needs without compromising the future. It’s about balancing growth with environmental care. This shift reflects a global move towards more conscious living and business practices. It’s a word that’s become central to discussions on how to preserve our world for future generations. It captures the essence of striving for a healthier planet.

“Organic” refers to chemical compounds containing carbon. Now, it’s about food produced without harmful pesticides or GMOs. It’s a term that’s become synonymous with health and environmental stewardship. This shift indicates a growing demand for natural, safe food options. It’s interesting how organic represents a cleaner, more sustainable way of living.

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Today’s nyt ‘connections’ hints and answers for sunday, may 5.

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Find the links between the words to win today's game of Connections.

Looking for Saturday’s Connections hints and answers? You can find them here:

Hey, everyone! I hope you’re having an excellent weekend. I’m easing back into reality after some much-needed time away, but I’m already planning my next couple of trips.

Today’s NYT Connections hints and answers are coming right up.

How To Play Connections

In Connections , you’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like horror movie franchises, a type of verb or rappers.

There’s only one solution for each puzzle, and you’ll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them.

Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is typically the hardest one to deduce. The purple group often involves wordplay, so bear that in mind.

Samsung Issues Critical Update For Millions Of Galaxy Users

Drake kendrick lamar feud timeline another trespasser caught at drake s toronto home police say, the best queen mattresses that promote more restful nights.

Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and you’re incorrect, you’ll lose a life. If you’re close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that you’re one word away from getting it right, but you’ll still need to figure out which one to swap.

If you make four mistakes, it’s game over. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with the help of some hints, and, if you’re really struggling, today’s Connections answers.

What Are Today’s Connections Hints?

Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of today’s Connections groups, I’ll reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them.

Today’s 16 words are:

And the hints for today’s groups are:

• Yellow group — positive results of effort
• Green group — variants of a food item that’s way better in Montreal than New York (yeah, I said it)
• Blue group — actions for which one might receive an Oscar
• Purple group — classic movie villains, for short

What Are Today’s Connections Groups?

Need some extra help?

Be warned: we’re starting to get into spoiler territory.

Today’s groups are...

• Yellow group — something gained from hard work
• Green group — kinds of bagels
• Blue group — contribute to a movie
• Purple group — starts of monsters

What Are Today’s Connections Answers?

Spoiler alert! Don’t scroll any further down the page until you’re ready to find out today’s Connections answers.

This is your final warning!

Today’s Connections answers are...

• Yellow group — something gained from hard work (BENEFIT, FRUIT, RETURN, REWARD)
• Green group — kinds of bagels (EGG, EVERYTHING, PLAIN, POPPY)
• Blue group — contribute to a movie (ACT, DIRECT, PRODUCE, WRITE)
• Purple group — starts of monsters (FRANK, MUM, VAMP, WERE)

I was one silly mistake away from a perfect game, but I'll take my fourth straight win and be happy about it.

I got the blue group first but not before making an error by including VAMP (as in to improvise on stage) instead of PRODUCE. Like I said, a silly mistake to make. I corrected it pretty quickly.

The yellows were up next and pretty straightforward. It was then that I clocked the purple words. That left the greens for the win, and suddenly I’m very tempted to make a trip to Montreal’s Fairmount Bagel.

That’s all there is to it for today’s Connections clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog for hints and the solution for Monday’s game if you need them.

P.S. I’ll skip the song recommendation today in favor of a movie one, based on today’s game. What We Do In The Shadows is an excellent mockumentary about several vampires who live together and have to get used to a newcomer. It’s so much fun. I really should finally watch the TV show that spun off from it.

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Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef Goes Nuclear: What to Know

The two rappers had circled one another for more than a decade, but their attacks turned relentless and very personal in a slew of tracks released over the weekend.

By Joe Coscarelli

The long-building and increasingly testy rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake exploded into full-bore acrimony and unverifiable accusations over the weekend. Both artists rapid-fire released multiple songs littered with attacks regarding race, appropriation, sexual and physical abuse, body image, misogyny, hypocrisy, generational trauma and more.

Most relentless was Lamar, a Pulitzer Prize winner from Compton, Calif., who tends toward the isolated and considered but has now released four verbose and conceptual diss tracks — totaling more than 20 minutes of new music — targeting Drake in the last week, including three since Friday.

Each racked up millions of streams and the three that were made available commercially — “Euphoria,” “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us” — are expected to land near the top of next week’s Billboard singles chart, while seeming to, at least momentarily, shift the public perception of Drake, long a maestro of the online public arena and meme ecosystem .

In between, on Friday night, Drake released his own broadside against Lamar — plus a smattering of other recent challengers — in a teasing Instagram interlude plus a three-part track and elaborate music video titled “Family Matters,” in which he referred to his rival as a fake activist and attempted to expose friction and alleged abuse in Lamar’s romantic relationship.

But that song was followed within half an hour by Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams,” an ominous extended address to the parents and young son of Drake, born Aubrey Graham, in which Lamar refers to his rival rapper as a liar and “pervert” who “should die” in order to make the world safer for women.

Lamar also seemed to assert that Drake had more than a decade ago fathered a secret daughter — echoing the big reveal of his son from Drake’s last headline rap beef — a claim Drake quickly denied on Instagram before hitting back in another song on Sunday. (Neither man has addressed the full array of rapped allegations directly.)

On Tuesday, a security guard was shot and seriously injured outside of Drake’s Toronto home, which appeared on the cover art for Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” Authorities said they could not yet speak to a motive in the shooting, but the investigation was ongoing. Representatives for Drake and Lamar did not immediately comment.

How did two of the most famous artists in the world decide to take the gloves off and bring real-life venom into an extended sparring match for rap supremacy? It was weeks, months and years in the making, with a sudden, breakneck escalation into hip-hop infamy. Here’s a breakdown.

Since late March, the much-anticipated head-to-head seemed inevitable. Following years of “will they or won’t they?” lyrical feints, Lamar hit directly on record first this year during a surprise appearance on the song “Like That” by the Atlanta rapper Future and the producer Metro Boomin, both formerly frequent Drake collaborators.

With audible disgust, Lamar invoked the track “First Person Shooter” from last year’s Drake album, “For All the Dogs,” in which a guest verse from J. Cole referred to himself, Drake and Lamar as “the big three” of modern MCs.

Lamar took exception to the grouping, declaring that there was no big three, “just big me.” He also called himself the Prince to Drake’s Michael Jackson — a deeper, more complex artist versus a troubled, pop-oriented hitmaker.

“Like That” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as Future and Metro Boomin released two chart-topping albums — “We Don’t Trust You” and “We Still Don’t Trust You” — that were anchored by a parade of Drake’s past associates, each of whom seemed to share a simmering distaste toward the rapper, who later called the ambush a “20 v. 1” fight.

In early April, J. Cole fought back momentarily , releasing the song “7 Minute Drill,” in which he called Lamar overrated, before backtracking, apologizing and having the song removed from streaming services. But Drake soon picked up the baton, releasing a wide-ranging diss track called “Push Ups” less than a week later that addressed the field, with a special focus on Lamar’s height, shoe size and supposedly disadvantageous business dealings.

Less than a week later, Drake mocked Lamar’s lack of a response on “Taylor Made Freestyle,” a track released only on social media. It featured Drake taunting Lamar for being scared to release music at the same time as Taylor Swift and using A.I. voice filters to mimic Tupac and Snoop Dogg imploring Lamar to battle for the good of the West Coast.

“Since ‘Like That,’ your tone changed a little, you not as enthused,” Drake rapped in an abbreviated third verse, as himself. “How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed.” (“Taylor Made Freestyle” was later removed from the internet at the request of the Tupac Estate.)

But it was a seemingly tossed-off line from the earlier “Push Ups” that included the name of Lamar’s longtime romantic partner — “I be with some bodyguards like Whitney” — that Lamar would later allude to as a red line crossed, making all subject matter fair game in the songs to come. (It was this same alleged faux pas that may have triggered an intensification of Drake’s beef with Pusha T in 2018.)

How We Got Here

Even with Drake-dissing cameos from Future, Ye (formerly Kanye West), Rick Ross, the Weeknd and ASAP Rocky, the main event was always going to be between Drake, 37, and Lamar, 36, who have spent more than a decade subtly antagonizing one another in songs while maintaining an icy frenemy rapport in public.

In 2011, when Drake introduced Lamar to mainstream audiences with a dedicated showcase on his second album, “Take Care,” and an opening slot on the subsequent arena tour, the tone was one of side-eying competition. “He said that he was the same age as myself/and it didn’t help ’cause it made me even more rude and impatient,” Lamar rapped on “Buried Alive Interlude” of his earliest encounter with a more-famous Drake. (On his Instagram on Friday, Drake released a parody of the track, citing Lamar’s jealousy since then.)

The pair went on to appear together on “Poetic Justice,” a single from Lamar’s debut album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City,” in 2012, as well as “___ Problems” by ASAP Rocky the same year.

But their collaborations ceased as Drake became his generation’s premier hitmaker across styles in hip-hop and beyond, while Lamar burrowed deeper into his own psyche on knotty concept albums that brought wide critical acclaim alongside less constant commercial success.

When asked, the two rappers tended to profess admiration for one another’s skill, but seemed to trade subtle digs in verses over the years, always with plausible deniability and in the spirit of competition, leading to something of a hip-hop cold war.

The Week It Went Nuclear

Lamar’s first targeted response, “Euphoria,” was more than six minutes long and released last Tuesday morning. In three sections that raised the temperature as they built, he warned Drake about proceeding and insisted, somewhat facetiously, that things were still friendly. “Know you a master manipulator and habitual liar too,” Lamar rapped. “But don’t tell no lie about me and I won’t tell truths ’bout you.”

He accused the biracial Drake, who was born and raised in Toronto, of imitating Black American heritage and insulting him subliminally. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress,” Lamar said. “I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct.” And he called Drake’s standing as a father into question: “Teachin’ him morals, integrity, discipline/listen, man, you don’t know nothin’ ’bout that.”

Days later, Lamar doubled down with an Instagram-only track called “6:16 in LA,” borrowing both Drake’s “Back to Back” diss tactic from his 2015 beef with Meek Mill and a song title structure lifted from what is known as Drake’s time-stamp series of raps. Opting for psychological warfare on a beat produced in part by Jack Antonoff, Swift’s chief collaborator, Lamar hinted that he had a mole in Drake’s operation and was aware of his opponent’s opposition research.

“Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible person,” he rapped. “Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.”

That night, Drake’s “Family Matters” started with its own justification for getting personal — “You mentioned my seed, now deal with his dad/I gotta go bad, I gotta go bad” — before taking on Lamar’s fatherhood and standing as a man in excruciating detail. “They hired a crisis management team to clean up the fact that you beat on your queen,” Drake rapped. “The picture you painted ain’t what it seem/you’re dead.”

Yet in a chess move that seemed to anticipate Drake’s familial line of attack, Lamar’s “Meet the Grahams” was released almost immediately. “This supposed to be a good exhibition within the game,” Lamar said, noting that Drake had erred “the moment you called out my family’s name.” Instead of a rap battle, Lamar concluded after another six minutes of psychological dissection, “this a long life battle with yourself.”

He wasn’t done yet. Dispensing with subtlety, Lamar followed up again less than 24 hours later with “Not Like Us,” a bouncy club record in a Los Angeles style that delighted in more traditional rap beef territory, like juvenile insults, proudly unsubstantiated claims of sexual preferences and threats of violence.

Lamar, however, didn’t leave it at that, throwing one more shot at Drake’s authenticity as a rapper, calling him a greedy and artificial user as a collaborator — “not a colleague,” but a “colonizer.”

On Sunday evening, Drake responded yet again. On “The Heart Part 6,” a title taken from Lamar’s career-spanning series, Drake denied the accusation that he preyed on young women, indicated that he had planted the bad information about his fake daughter and seemed to sigh away the fight as “some good exercise.”

“It’s good to get out, get the pen working,” Drake said in an exhausted outro. “You would be a worthy competitor if I was really a predator.” He added, “You know, at least your fans are getting some raps out of you. I’m happy I could motivate you.”

Joe Coscarelli is a culture reporter with a focus on popular music, and the author of “Rap Capital: An Atlanta Story.” More about Joe Coscarelli

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