Hinted at

USAGE SUMMARY

"hinted at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to indicate that someone suggested something indirectly or subtly. Example: She hinted at her desire to leave the company during the meeting. Alternative expressions include "implied" and "suggested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mechel hinted at hanky-panky.

The Economist

His expression hinted at defeat.

The New Yorker

Cantor hinted at his inclination.

The New Yorker

Nothing exuded luxury or hinted at grace".

The New York Times

Their childhoods hinted at similarities, though.

The New York Times

He hinted at something more sinister.

The New York Times - Magazine

The companies themselves have hinted at it.

The New York Times

Mr. Perry has hinted at another run.

The New York Times

Erroneous tabloid rumours hinted at romance.

Independent

This, I thought, hinted at paranoia.

The New York Times

Private sources have hinted at further compromises.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hinted at" to maintain subtlety and tact, especially when addressing sensitive topics or avoiding direct confrontation.

Common error

Avoid using "hinted at" when direct and clear communication is necessary. If clarity is paramount, opt for explicit statements rather than indirect suggestions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinted at" functions as a verb phrase indicating an indirect suggestion or insinuation. It suggests that something was communicated subtly rather than explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showing the phrase used to imply information without directly asserting it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hinted at" serves as a versatile tool for indirect communication, implying suggestions or insinuations without explicit statements. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct, very common, and primarily used in news and media contexts. When using "hinted at", consider the nuance you aim to convey and whether directness or subtlety is more appropriate. Alternatives like "implied", "suggested", or "intimated" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Being mindful of context will help ensure effective and appropriate communication. The high expert rating and source quality underscore its reliability and frequent use in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implied

Focuses on the act of suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

suggested

Indicates a subtle presentation of an idea.

intimated

Suggests a more delicate or subtle hint.

insinuated

Implies a subtle and often negative suggestion.

alluded to

Highlights a brief or indirect reference.

gave a clue

Emphasizes providing a small piece of information.

dropped a hint

Focuses on the act of casually suggesting something.

left an impression

Focuses on what the speaker made listeners feel.

made an indirect reference

Highlights lack of explicitness of the reference.

conveyed subtly

Emphasizes that a thing was conveyed with high subtlety.

FAQs

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

Use "hinted at" to suggest something indirectly. For example, "He "hinted at" a possible promotion during the meeting" implies he suggested it without explicitly saying so.

What's the difference between "hinted at" and "implied"?

"Hinted at" involves a deliberate but indirect suggestion, whereas "implied" means the suggestion is naturally understood without direct expression. The speaker "hinted at", while the situation or statement "implied".

What are some alternatives to "hinted at"?

You can use alternatives such as "suggested", "intimated", or "alluded to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hinted at" in formal writing?

Yes, "hinted at" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying information subtly is preferred. However, ensure that the context doesn't require more direct and explicit language.