Offer a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Offer a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone provide a hint or piece of information that may help solve a problem or answer a question. Example: "If you're stuck on the puzzle, feel free to offer a clue to help your teammates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe these two mice offer a clue.

The New York Times

Recent changes in the army may offer a clue.

The Economist

New findings published Thursday in Science offer a clue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If the country's name did not offer a clue, no one would know where it was.

The Economist

The badges and bumper stickers at CPAC offer a clue as to why.

The Economist

The label may offer a clue (see below for a translation of what the terms mean).

Harvard University

If round gobies offer a clue, the answer is not simple.

The New York Times

Findings from a longer study published in Scientific Reports may offer a clue.

University of California, Berkeley

The opening, autobiographical portion of the book may offer a clue.

The New York Times - Books

Certain threads running through Obama's career offer a clue as to her potential future causes.

The Guardian

The words "written and directed by John Turturro" offer a clue.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offer a clue" in writing, ensure the clue is genuinely helpful and relevant to the context. Avoid offering clues that are too vague or misleading, as this can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid offering clues that are too general or obvious. A weak clue can frustrate the reader and undermine the intended effect. Instead, provide specific and insightful clues that require some thought to decipher.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer a clue" functions as a verb phrase, where "offer" is the verb and "a clue" is the direct object. It signifies the act of providing a hint or piece of information. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to suggest assistance in understanding or solving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "offer a clue" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies providing a hint or piece of information to aid understanding or problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "give a hint" or "provide an indication" exist, "offer a clue" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. The most authoritative sources frequently employ this phrase, highlighting its reliability and clarity. To use it effectively, ensure the clue is relevant and insightful, avoiding vagueness. All of this makes "offer a clue" a solid expression to provide a suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give a hint

Offers a suggestion or piece of information to help someone answer a question or solve a problem.

Supply a lead

Implies providing a piece of information that can guide an investigation or search.

Provide an indication

Focuses on giving a sign or hint, emphasizing a less direct form of guidance than a direct clue.

Advance a pointer

Focuses on giving a piece of advice or information that helps guide someone.

Furnish a suggestion

Emphasizes providing a possible solution or course of action.

Offer an insight

Suggests providing a deeper understanding or perspective on a topic.

Present a key

Suggests providing something essential for understanding or unlocking a solution.

Disclose a sign

Emphasizes revealing an indication or omen, often subtle or indirect.

Proffer a suspicion

Involves offering a conjecture or inkling, often based on limited evidence.

Extend an insight

Suggests offering a deeper understanding or perspective on a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "offer a clue" in a sentence?

You can use "offer a clue" to suggest providing a hint or piece of information to help someone understand something or solve a problem. For example, "The detective hoped the witness could offer a clue about the suspect's identity."

What are some alternatives to "offer a clue"?

Some alternatives include "give a hint", "provide an indication", or "supply a lead". For instance, instead of saying "The evidence may "offer a clue"", you could say "The evidence may "provide an indication"".

Is it better to "offer a clue" or "give a clue"?

"Offer a clue" and "give a clue" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Offer" might suggest a slightly more formal or deliberate action than "give", but the difference is minimal.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "offer a clue"?

It is appropriate to use "offer a clue" in contexts where someone is trying to solve a mystery, understand a situation, or find a solution to a problem. It fits well in both formal and informal writing, as well as in various genres like fiction, journalism, and academic writing.