a better clue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a better clue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when wanting to suggest that there is a more effective method of solving a problem or answering a question. For example: "Sally couldn't figure out the answer to the puzzle, so she asked her brother for a better clue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Even if the words are diplomatic, the body language is a better clue.

The New York Times - Sports

That will be a better clue than most to health care reform's ultimate fate.

The New York Times

I will analyze this to see if I can get a better clue as to the source of the problem.

Columbia University

Knoblauch extends at-bats, he drains pitchers and he gives every Yankee a better clue about what they might see.

The New York Times - Sports

The common name is a corruption of Jamestown weed, but it is the botanic name that gives a better clue to its hazards.

The Washington Post

The music — Jimi Hendrix one night, blues another — is a better clue: This food rocks, but there's nothing fast about it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The questions give a much better clue to how a person thinks.

The Washington Post

Kanhere et al. demonstrated that DNA stability of promoter regions provides a much better clue than other features when determining the location of the TSS [ 21].

BMC Genomics

Do we have any better clues how things will go from now on?

The Guardian - Sport

In addition to Jari Taylor's already extensive notes on the draft, Piller suggested Biller get in touch with actual gang members or a police officer who could better clue the writer into street gang culture for the episode.

Wikipedia

There is no better clue to the downspin in the literary wheel of fortune than the activities of this ancient charity.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose "a better clue" over alternatives if you specifically want to highlight the improvement in the quality of the hint or insight.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a better clue" as the definitive answer. It's an improved piece of information, but further investigation might still be necessary. A "clue" is not the solution itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better clue" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig indicates that it's used to identify an improved piece of information, signal, or hint that aids in solving a problem or increasing understanding. The adjective "better" modifies the noun "clue", indicating a higher quality or more useful clue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a better clue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies an improved or more effective piece of information. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to highlight a more revealing or helpful hint in various contexts, from news reports to scientific investigations. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's important to remember that "a better clue" is not necessarily the complete solution, but rather an advancement in understanding. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "a more helpful indication" or "a clearer sign" for nuanced expression. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase enjoys widespread use, with notable appearances in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more helpful indication

Focuses on the helpfulness of the indication, rather than just being 'better'.

a superior hint

Emphasizes the superiority of the hint in providing insight.

a clearer sign

Highlights the clarity of the sign, making it easier to understand.

a more telling piece of evidence

Shifts the focus to evidence, suggesting something more revealing.

a stronger suggestion

Indicates a more forceful or compelling suggestion.

a more accurate gauge

Highlights accuracy as the key improvement.

a more reliable indicator

Emphasizes the reliability of the indicator.

a deeper insight

Implies a more profound level of understanding.

a key piece of information

Focuses on the importance of the information provided.

a more promising lead

Highlights the potential or promise of the lead.

FAQs

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

You can use "a better clue" to indicate a more helpful piece of information that aids in understanding or solving something. For example, "The detective hoped the new witness statement would provide "a better clue" to the suspect's identity".

What are some alternatives to "a better clue"?

Alternatives include "a more helpful indication", "a superior hint", or "a clearer sign" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a better clue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a better clue" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the piece.

What is the difference between "a clue" and "a better clue"?

"A clue" simply refers to a piece of information, while "a better clue" suggests that the information is more helpful, relevant, or revealing than previous clues.