Wordle, the popular daily word puzzle game, remains as popular as it was when it first went viral in October 2021. One linguistics expert has shared her favorite methods to improve gameplay and ensure ongoing success. Wordle was invented by engineer Josh Wardle as a game to play with his partner during the COVID-19 pandemic. He later sold the game to The New York Times for a seven-figure sum, and it has since been played 4.8 billion times in 2023. The rules of the game are simple, with players having six attempts to solve a mystery five-letter word with the help of a color-coded system.
Linguistics expert Noël Wolf suggests familiarizing yourself with more words to become a Wordle master. Expanding your vocabulary can help you solve the less common words in the game. Playing other word games like Scrabble, word searches, and crossword puzzles can also help widen your vocabulary. Wolf recommends being strategic with your guesses, using a different set of letters for your second guess to eliminate more possibilities in fewer attempts. If stuck, taking a break from the screen and writing out the word with blank spaces on a piece of paper can provide a fresh perspective.
Choosing a strong first word is essential for Wordle success. Wolf recommends starting with words that include common letters in five-letter English words such as E, A, R, O, T, L, I, S, and N. These letters increase the odds of finding confirmed letters early on. Considering repeated letters and homophones can also help in narrowing down possibilities. Exploring the roots of Latin and Greek words can aid in deducing the meanings of unfamiliar words and identifying common prefixes and suffixes. Looking up solutions you don’t recognize can also help expand your vocabulary.
Wordle players can improve their gameplay by being strategic with their guesses and choosing strong first words that incorporate common letters in five-letter English words. Familiarizing yourself with more words, playing other word games, and exploring the roots of Latin and Greek words can also enhance your Wordle experience. Taking breaks from the screen and writing out the word with blank spaces can provide a fresh perspective. Wordle continues to be a global hit three years after its release, with players always looking for ways to enhance their skills and ensure ongoing success in the game.
