5 Across
NYT Mini • September 13, 2025
A, B, C or D, but not E
Answer:
GRADE
Hint:
Think of how teachers often evaluate tests or assignments with one of these letters—just don’t confuse it with the highest mark.
Explanation:
This clue plays on the letter grades A, B, C, and D commonly used in school grading systems, where E isn’t typically included. The phrase "but not E" hints at excluding that letter, reinforcing that the answer relates to grading. "Grade" fits perfectly as it’s the term for those letter rankings, making it a straightforward but clever wordplay.
More Clues from This Puzzle
General solving tip
Short grid glue often mirrors map or address abbreviations (ENE, AVE, ST). If the clue looks abbreviated, the answer probably is too.
More tips → General Hints