a big hint

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big hint" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to indicate something that is highly suggestive of a particular fact or answer. For example: "The interviewer's slight smirk when John mentioned the company's new product was a big hint that the product was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Usually, I give you a big hint".

The New York Times

That's a big hint about his restiveness.

The Guardian

"It really is a big hint for them," he said.

The New York Times

Putting an analyst in charge of Member service is a big hint into their mentality.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But with Ryder Cup rookies the rule on both squads, there is a big hint of unpredictability.

The New York Times - Sports

In the final game of the preseason, the Devils got a big hint of what is likely to come their way.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Then she gave him a bigger hint.

The New Yorker

We need a bigger hint, whether we're to invest in rocket ship company stock tomorrow, or sell our gold for guns, ammo and dried food as the Martians decide to pay us a little return visit?

Huffington Post

He gave a bigger hint that compromise and conciliation would be the watchwords of his administration in his coming of political age keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.

Huffington Post

I think the only way it would have been a big, big hint is if he [Mousinho] signed a five-year contract or something.

BBC

Given Star Wars' history of documenting its heroes' struggles to avoid turning to the dark side, this was a pretty big hint that Jyn might find herself similarly tempted.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big hint" when you want to subtly guide your audience toward a particular conclusion without stating it directly. It's effective for creating suspense or intrigue.

Common error

Avoid using "a big hint" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing predictable and reduce its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big hint" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig AI, it describes something that indirectly suggests an idea or conclusion. For instance, "Putting an analyst in charge of Member service is a big hint into their mentality."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

19%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big hint" is a commonly used phrase that functions as a noun phrase to indirectly suggest an idea or conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across different contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, offering a neutral tone suitable for various communication styles. While versatile, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing impact. Alternatives such as "a strong suggestion" or "a clear indication" can provide variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A strong suggestion

Emphasizes the directness and clarity of the hint.

A clear indication

Highlights the obvious nature of the implied meaning.

An obvious clue

Focuses on the role of the hint as a piece of information leading to a conclusion.

A telling sign

Suggests the hint reveals something significant about a situation or person.

A significant implication

Highlights the potential consequences or ramifications of the hint.

A major clue

Emphasizes importance of the hint in understanding something.

A notable suggestion

Highlights that hint is worthy of attention.

A conspicuous sign

Emphasizes that hint is easily noticeable.

An important implication

Highlights significance of indirect result of something.

A noteworthy clue

Emphasizes the importance and relevance of hint.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big hint" to suggest something without explicitly stating it. For example, "The company's sudden interest in renewable energy was "a big hint" about their future direction".

What's the difference between "a big hint" and "a subtle clue"?

"A big hint" implies a more obvious suggestion, while "a subtle clue" suggests something more discreet and easily missed. The choice depends on how direct you want to be.

What are some alternatives to saying "a big hint"?

Alternatives to "a big hint" include "a clear indication", "a strong suggestion", or "an obvious clue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big hint" in formal writing?

While "a big hint" is generally acceptable, consider using a more formal alternative like "a significant implication" or "a notable suggestion" in academic or professional contexts for a more sophisticated tone.