Crossword puzzles, especially those in the New York Times (NYT), are beloved for the creative ways they challenge language lovers. Among such clever clues, one that appears frequently is “ditto for us” — a short but deceptively tricky prompt that’s easier to answer correctly when you know what editors expect. This guide dives deep into the meaning, correct answers, grammar behind the clue, solving strategies, common traps, and much more.
By the end of this extensive article, you’ll not only understand why “ditto for us” keeps showing up in NYT crosswords — you’ll be ready to answer it instantly next time it appears.
Quick Answer Summary (Featured Snippet Section)
When you see ditto for us in a NYT crossword, it’s asking for a plural echo response — a short phrase indicating agreement or similar experience with a preceding statement.
Most common answers:
- SOAREWE (7 letters)
- SODOWE (6 letters)
- USTOO (5 letters)
- SODIDWE / SOWEREWE (past tense forms)
How to choose the correct version:
- Match the verb type (action verb vs. linking verb)
- Match the tense (present vs. past)
- Confirm using crossing letters
For example:
- “We are thrilled!” → SOAREWE
- “We run fast.” → SODOWE
- “We were surprised.” → SOWEREWE
What Does “Ditto for Us” Mean in the NYT Crossword?
At first glance, ditto for us may look like everyday speech, but in NYT puzzles it’s a precisely grammatical prompt that expects a response echoing a previous statement. Let’s break this down.
Literal Meaning of “Ditto”
Historically, the word ditto comes from Italian detto, meaning “already said.” In puzzles, ditto signals that the answer should mirror — or echo — something from earlier in the clue or surrounding fill.
How It Functions in Crossword Clues
When ditto appears, especially with the added for us, it’s directing solvers to supply a phrase indicating that “we” feel or do the same thing described by a preceding part of the clue. Because the answer must be group-oriented, it won’t accept a singular response like me too.
Why It’s More Grammar-Based Than It Looks
While solvers might instinctively think of casual expressions like me too, NYT crossword editing standards prefer responses that:
- reflect correct plural grammatical subject
- match tense and verb type
- fit the grid’s letter count
This is why familiarity with grammar — not just intuition — matters in solving this clue consistently.
Most Common Answers for “Ditto for Us” NYT Crossword
Below are the frequent correct answers, organized by letter count and grammar usage:
SO ARE WE (7 Letters – SOAREWE)
This is often the correct answer when the preceding statement uses the linking verb “to be.”
Examples:
- “We’re happy.” → SO ARE WE
- “We are excited.” → SO ARE WE
Why it works: “Are” is the plural present tense of “to be.” When you echo someone’s state of being, so are we is the natural choice.
SO DO WE (6 Letters – SODOWE)
When the statement involves an action verb, so do we is typically correct.
Examples:
- “We love crossword puzzles.” → SO DO WE
- “We run every morning.” → SO DO WE
Why it works: “Do” stands in for a repeated action. It signals us doing the same action as mentioned earlier in the clue.
SO DID WE (Past Tense Action)
If the original action happened in the past — for example, “We ate lunch early” — the correct echo response is SO DID WE to match the past tense.
SO WERE WE (Past Tense of “To Be”)
Used when the preceding phrase includes a past linking verb:
- “We were confused.” → SO WERE WE
US TOO (5 Letters – USTOO)
Grid constraints sometimes make USTOO the best choice — especially in puzzles that require a shorter answer. While not as editorially formal as the so ___ we variants, us too is accepted when crosses confirm the placement.
Why “ME TOO” Is Incorrect
While me too is common in conversation, it is rarely correct in NYT crosswords for this clue because:
- me refers to a singular individual
- the clue specifies “us”, indicating group agreement
NYT Crossword editing generally prefers grammatical precision over casual shorthand.
Grammar Rules Behind the Clue (Why Solvers Get It Wrong)
Understanding the grammar behind this clue is key to solving it quickly and correctly.
Linking Verbs vs. Action Verbs
A linking verb connects a subject to a state of being:
- am / is / are / was / were
An action verb denotes something the subject does:
- run / write / eat / love / enjoy
The correct crossword answer depends on knowing which type the clue implies.
Present vs. Past Tense Matching
Crossword editors expect your echo answer to mirror the tense of the original statement.
- “We danced all night.” → SO DID WE
- “We are thrilled.” → SO ARE WE
Tense mismatches often lead to wrong answers — even if they fit the letter count.
Subject–Verb Agreement in Crossword Clues
The pronoun we always takes plural verb forms:
- “So are we” (plural linking verb)
- “So do we” (plural auxiliary)
Using singular versions (is / does) will be incorrect.
Auxiliary Verb Structure Explained Simply
When echoing an action phrase, you generally replace the main verb with do/did, preserving tense:
- Original: “We cook often.” → Echo: So do we
- Original: “We cooked there.” → Echo: So did we
This structure keeps answers clean, concise, and grid-friendly.
Letter Count Strategy: How the Grid Tells You the Answer
One crucial aspect of solving ditto for us is paying attention to how many letters the answer must have.
5-Letter Grid Slots
If there are only 5 boxes available, a short answer is needed:
- USTOO
This is often the fallback if crosses confirm it.
6-Letter Grid Slots
Six letters usually indicate:
- SODOWE
This works best when an action verb is implied.
7-Letter Grid Slots
Seven letters typically indicate:
- SOAREWE
This is especially common when a linking verb like are is implied.
Using Cross Letters to Confirm
Crossing entries are one of your most reliable tools. For example:
- A cross showing R as the third letter almost ensures SOAREWE
- A D in the second position suggests SODOWE
- If both crosses support USTOO, then that’s likely correct
Always complete as many surrounding clues as possible before locking in your “ditto for us” entry.
Common Mistakes Solvers Make
Even experienced solvers sometimes slip up on this clue. Here are the biggest pitfalls:
Ignoring the Plural “Us”
Remember: us refers to a group — so the answer should reflect plural grammar.
Forgetting to Match Tense
Choosing SO DO WE when the clue is past tense results in an incorrect answer — even if the letters fit!
Choosing Informal Over Editorial Preference
While me too might feel natural in conversation, it’s almost never the correct crossword answer due to its singular reference.
Locking in Too Early Without Crosses
One of the biggest mistakes is filling this clue before confirming crosses — often leading to avoidable errors.
Step-by-Step Solving Strategy for “Ditto for Us”
Follow this simple process next time you encounter this clue:
- Read the previous statement carefully.
- Identify whether it uses a linking verb or an action verb.
- Determine the tense (present or past).
- Look at how many boxes are in the grid.
- Check crossing letters before finalizing your fill.
- Re-evaluate if any conflicts appear.
This formula not only gets you the right answer — it helps you solve similar echo clues faster.
Why “Ditto for Us” Appears Frequently in NYT Crosswords
There are several reasons this clue shows up again and again:
Conversational Clue Style
NYT puzzles often favor smooth, natural-sounding phrases that still require analytical thinking.
Compact Grid-Friendly Fill
Short phrases like SOAREWE and SODOWE fit well into standard grid lengths, making them versatile entries.
Grammar-Based Micro Challenge
This clue rewards solvers who think about language structure — not just pattern matching.
Constructor & Editor Preference
Crossword constructors enjoy clues that feel intuitive but have depth. “Ditto” clues combine both elegance and precision.
The Role of Wordplay in NYT Crossword Echo Clues
Beyond simple echoing, ditto for us represents a broader type of crossword wordplay:
Repetition & Mirror Clues
Constructors often use linguistic mirroring to create satisfying aha moments.
Echo Responses in Crossword Design
Echo clues challenge solvers to think beyond direct definitions and engage with implied meaning.
How Constructors Hide Grammar in Plain Sight
NYT editors are masters at slipping tricky grammar cues into casual-sounding clues.
This makes solving fun and builds skills over time.
Real Example Scenarios (Practice Section)
Here are some practice lines you might see in a crossword puzzle:
Example 1 – Present Linking Verb
Clue: “We’re content”
Answer: SOAREWE
Example 2 – Present Action Verb
Clue: “We jog every morning”
Answer: SODOWE
Example 3 – Past Action Verb
Clue: “We saw the show last night”
Answer: SODIDWE
Example 4 – Past Linking Verb
Clue: “We were impressed”
Answer: SOWEREWE
Reviewing examples like these helps build pattern recognition.
Comparison Table of Possible Answers
| Crossword Answer | Letter Count | Verb Type | Tense | When to Use |
| SOAREWE | 7 | Linking | Present | Echoing “are/am/is” |
| SODOWE | 6 | Action | Present | Echoing action verbs |
| SODIDWE | 7 | Action | Past | Echoing past actions |
| SOWEREWE | 8 | Linking | Past | Echoing past state of being |
| USTOO | 5 | All | Any | Short fallback with crosses |
Comparison tables help solvers instantly see when each variation applies.
Quick Checklist for Instant Solving
✔ Is the clue plural?
✔ Does the previous phrase use a linking verb or an action verb?
✔ Is the statement present or past tense?
✔ How many letters does the grid allow?
✔ Do crossing letters confirm your choice?
Following this checklist gives you an edge every time.
FAQs About Ditto for Us NYT Crossword
Q: What does “ditto for us” mean in NYT crossword?
A: It’s a prompt asking for a phrase indicating that we feel or do the same thing described earlier.
Q: Which answer is most common?
A: SOAREWE appears most often when a state of being is echoed.
Q: Can “us too” be correct?
A: Yes, if the grid is short and crossing letters support it.
Q: Why isn’t “me too” accepted?
A: Because me is singular — crossword editors require a plural reply.
Q: How do I solve it fast?
A: Identify verb type → match tense → check letter count → confirm with crosses.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Grammar-Based Crossword Clues
The “ditto for us” NYT crossword clue may look short and simple, but it cleverly packs grammar, pattern recognition, and wordplay into a tiny package. Mastering this clue — and ones like it — not only boosts your solving speed but deepens your appreciation for how language works in puzzle design.
Next time you flip open the New York Times crossword and see ditto for us, you’ll know exactly how to solve it — confidently, accurately, and quickly.
