repeated words in phrases

[quescaisje]

Hello, I'm close to finishing an unthemed puzzle, and just realized I have two multi-word solutions that contain the word "on." The first is a 15-letter phrase: "On a scale of I to IO;" the second is a partial phrase: "On Not..." (Clue: Woolf's "__ Knowing Greek.") The worst part is that the two "on's" intersect at the "n!" I intended to submit to the NYT, but I have a feeling it will be rejected on these grounds. Any thoughts, advice, or cold hard facts appreciated. Thanks! Bill

[XMAAS]

Repeating small word like ON is usually not a problem. Even if they intersect (which is undesirable), the puzzle may still be accepted if the editor likes the rest of the puzzle.

However, the 15-letter phrase ON A SCALE OF I to IO, in my opinion, will likely be a deal-breaker for this puzzle. It would be fine for a themed puzzle that uses I's and O's as numbers and letters in the theme entries, but in a regular themeless it's pretty much a no-no. This is because the I's and the O function as numbers in one direction (and I'm assuming) letters in the other.

Roman numerals don't have this problem, since they are always letters. Therefore they can be a number in an Across and a letter in a Down.

-MAS

[randwool]

Speaking of Roman numerals, it would be fun to see "On a scale of I to X".

[quescaisje]

Thanks much for the advice!  ---Bill