Hint at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hint at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to suggest or imply something indirectly without stating it outright. Example: "She seemed to hint at her dissatisfaction with the project." Alternative expressions include "suggest," "imply," and "indicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hint at Face-Saving 'Victory'Victory

The New York Times

Two recent announcements hint at an answer.

The Economist

Several moments hint at something fresher.

The New York Times - Arts

It does hint at heated female flesh".

The New York Times

Informal observations hint at possible explanations.

The New York Times

But they hint at a paradox.

The Economist

Or do they hint at something worse?

Independent

Rattlings of percussion hint at tribal ritual.

The New Yorker

Fluttering fans hint at a secret language.

The New York Times - Arts

JT: They hint at it.

The Guardian - Books

There's been no hint at prices yet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint at" when you want to subtly suggest something without directly stating it. It's useful in situations where directness might be inappropriate or impolitic.

Common error

Avoid using "hint at" when you intend to make a clear, direct statement. "Hint at" implies subtlety, so using it when your intention is to be explicit can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint at" functions as a verb phrase, where "hint" is the verb and "at" is a preposition that together create a phrasal verb. It is used to indicate that someone is suggesting something indirectly or subtly. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint at" is a commonly used verb phrase that serves to indirectly suggest something, offering a subtle way to communicate an idea or thought. As evidenced by its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and BBC, it's a versatile expression applicable across various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. When using "hint at", remember you are choosing subtlety over directness. Consider alternatives like "imply" or "suggest" if a stronger, though still indirect, message is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply

Suggests a meaning not explicitly stated, similar to "hint at" but can be stronger.

suggest

Similar to "hint at", indicating something indirectly, but can also mean to propose an idea.

intimate

To communicate delicately and indirectly; closely related to "hint at" but emphasizes subtlety.

insinuate

Suggests something unpleasant in an indirect way, adding a negative connotation compared to "hint at".

allude to

To make an indirect reference, similar to "hint at" but more formal.

give a clue

Offers a piece of information that suggests something, more direct than "hint at".

drop a hint

To give a subtle indication of something, similar to "hint at" but more casual.

intimation

A subtle and indirect indication of something, conveying a suggestion or inkling.

give an inkling

To provide a slight suggestion or suspicion, less direct than stating explicitly.

signal

To indicate the presence or likelihood of something; can be more overt than "hint at".

FAQs

How can I use "hint at" in a sentence?

You can use "hint at" when you want to suggest something indirectly. For example, "The evidence seemed to "suggest", or "imply", a different conclusion, but didn't state it explicitly."

What are some alternatives to using "hint at"?

Alternatives to "hint at" include "imply", "suggest", "intimate", or "insinuate". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hint on" instead of "hint at"?

While "hint at" is the standard and widely accepted phrasing, "hint on" is less common and might be considered incorrect in formal writing. It's best to stick with "hint at" for clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between "hint at" and "imply"?

"Hint at" suggests a more subtle and indirect communication, whereas "imply" can be a stronger, though still indirect, suggestion. "Hint at" often involves a lighter touch.