Hint of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hint of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that there is a small amount of truth or reality in a statement or situation, often amidst exaggeration or falsehood. Example: "While his story seemed far-fetched, there was a hint of truth that made me reconsider my initial judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Which had a hint of truth to it.

The New York Times

There is a hint of truth in that.

The Economist

Is there a hint of truth in every stereotype?

The Washington Post

There is, however, a hint of truth to the claim.

The Guardian

As many neuroscientists were aware, though, the plot also contained more than a hint of truth.

The New Yorker

Some of the stereotypes are inflated from a hint of truth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Life is a hideous thing," he writes in one story, "and from the background behind what we know of it peer daemonical hints of truth which make it sometimes a thousandfold more hideous … Its reserve of unguessed horrors could never be borne by mortal brains".

The Guardian - Books

British newspaper obituaries are a rich seam: nobody likes to speak ill of the dead, yet many enjoy a hint of the truth about the person who has "passed away".

The Economist

What if, behind their absurdly confident New Ageisms, lurked more than a hint of scientifically substantiated truth?

The Washington Post

With some fruit juice and a dash of brandy, he has created something that makes it possible for you to have three or four of them and just feel the pleasantest hint of relaxation". In truth, they were stronger than the strongest and driest stinger). "Our lunch always began with a festive air but usually ended back at the hotel in an atmosphere of heartbreak or horrifying recrimination.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the midpoint, however, King declared abruptly, "I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers". This was a decorous hint of the furious truth-telling ahead.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Hint of truth" to cautiously acknowledge a factual basis within a statement that is mostly untrue or exaggerated. It adds nuance without fully endorsing the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "Hint of truth" when there is substantial evidence supporting the claim. This phrase is best suited for situations where the truth is minimal or difficult to verify.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Hint of truth" functions as a qualifier, suggesting a partial or limited degree of veracity within a broader statement or situation. As Ludwig AI tells us, it indicates that something is not entirely false, but contains a small amount of factual information. This contrasts with outright falsehoods.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Hint of truth" is a useful tool for acknowledging a small element of fact within a larger context that may be questionable or untrue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various sources such as news, media, formal documents or academic contexts. When writing, consider using alternatives like "glimmer of truth" or "trace of truth" for slight variations in emphasis. Remember that while the phrase has a neutral register, overstating the importance of the "Hint of truth" can be a common pitfall. The phrase serves to cautiously acknowledge a factual basis without fully endorsing the overall claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Glimmer of truth

Replaces "hint" with "glimmer", suggesting a slightly brighter, but still faint, indication of truth.

Trace of truth

Substitutes "hint" with "trace", implying a very small and subtle presence of truth.

Element of truth

Uses "element" instead of "hint", focusing on the presence of a component of truth.

Grain of truth

Replaces "hint" with "grain", indicating a small, almost insignificant, amount of truth.

Speck of truth

Uses "speck" to emphasize the minute quantity of truth present.

Touch of truth

Replaces "hint" with "touch", suggesting a slight influence of truth.

Suggestion of truth

Emphasizes that the truth is not explicit but merely implied or suggested.

Shadow of truth

Indicates that the truth is partially obscured or not fully revealed.

Whisper of truth

Suggests a barely audible or perceptible presence of truth.

Vestige of truth

Implies a remaining, often faded or diminished, indication of truth.

FAQs

How can I use "Hint of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "Hint of truth" to suggest a small amount of reality in a statement that may be otherwise false or exaggerated. For example, "While his story seemed improbable, there was a "hint of truth" that made me reconsider my initial judgment."

What can I say instead of "Hint of truth"?

You can use alternatives like "glimmer of truth", "trace of truth", or "element of truth" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "Hint of truth" or "Piece of truth"?

"Hint of truth" implies a subtle and potentially obscured truth, while "piece of truth" suggests a fragment or portion of a larger truth. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize subtlety or incompleteness.

What is the difference between "Hint of truth" and "Based on a true story"?

"Hint of truth" suggests only a small element is factual, while "Based on a true story" implies that the main narrative is rooted in reality, even if fictionalized. The former acknowledges minimal accuracy, the latter claims substantial factual basis.