a certain hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but not clearly defined suggestion or indication. Example: "During the meeting, she dropped a certain hint about the upcoming changes in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There's a certain hint of mortality in the fitness columns, I suppose, but not much.

The New York Times - Magazine

A boxy foot warmer on the floor calls attention to small baseboard ceramic tiles, one of which, with a blue cartoon of Cupid, may drop a certain hint.

The New Yorker

Crushing some fresh mint up at the bottom of the glass adds a certain hint of, umm, mint-iness.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I hint towards a certain thing that's in my soul and that's why I think I'm a visual poet.

Huffington Post

The mystery itself is left hanging, but certain hints in the text, along with an elegant manipulation of the time-frame, permit a satisfying, even touching ending (though not a comforting one).

The Guardian - Books

That can give you certain hints.

TechCrunch

Certain hints are unveiled by the ACC, as discussed in the following subsections.

Journal of Cheminformatics

At the same time, one can't help noticing a certain flatness, a hint of afternoon dullness, descend upon the proceedings.

The New Yorker

Ever since a certain mobile device (hint: starts with "i" and ends with "phone") hit the mobilesphere, consumers have been clamoring for visual voicemail on other cell phones / carriers.

TechCrunch

Using unconventional materials like wax, latex and cheesecloth, Hesse imbued her deceptively simple forms with a certain bodily quality, hinting at the sag of a breast, the wrinkle of skin, the coiling of intestines.

Huffington Post

Oh crud, the Mutators are also in town tonight, playing at the Cake Shop around midnight or one (which should give you ample time to do something earlier in the evening like, I don't know, see a certain movie somewhere? Eh? Hinty hinty hint hint hint?).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain hint" when you want to subtly suggest something without being too direct. It adds a layer of intrigue or coyness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "a certain hint" without providing enough context. Ensure the reader has enough information to understand what you're alluding to, or the phrase becomes meaningless and frustrating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain hint" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies "hint". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain hint" serves as a grammatically sound and subtly suggestive expression. As validated by Ludwig, it's most often found in news and media contexts. It's used to indicate something without being overly direct, creating a sense of intrigue. While effective, overuse should be avoided to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "a subtle clue" or "a veiled suggestion" can provide variety. Remember to provide enough context when using this phrase, so the hint is clear and purposeful for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle clue

Emphasizes the indirect and understated nature of the indication.

a veiled suggestion

Highlights the hidden or disguised nature of the hint.

an indirect indication

Focuses on the lack of directness in the pointing towards something.

a slight implication

Stresses that only a small element is suggested beyond what is expressed.

a tacit signal

Underscores an unspoken communication.

a delicate insinuation

Suggests a subtle and perhaps artful way of implying something.

a gentle nudge

Implies a mild form of prompting or suggesting.

a quiet suggestion

Highlights the soft or understated nature of the suggestion.

an underlying message

Focuses on an implicit meaning beyond the immediately obvious.

an implied meaning

Emphasizes the meaning is suggested but not explicitly stated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain hint" to subtly suggest something without being explicit. For example, "She dropped "a certain hint" about her promotion during the meeting".

What phrases are similar to "a certain hint"?

Alternatives include "a subtle clue", "a veiled suggestion", or "an indirect indication".

Is it better to be direct instead of giving "a certain hint"?

It depends on the context. Sometimes, directness is more effective, but in situations where subtlety is needed (to avoid conflict or reveal information gradually), providing "a certain hint" can be more appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "a certain hint"?

It's best to avoid using "a certain hint" when clarity is paramount, such as in legal documents or technical manuals, where ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings. Also if it comes across passive-aggressively.