a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clue" is correct and usable in written English to mean something that provides a hint or suggestion for solving a puzzle or problem.
For example, "The detective searched for clues that would lead him to the missing painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aint got a clue.

The New York Times

There's a clue.

Independent

He hasn't a clue.

The New Yorker

Absolutely not a clue.

The New Yorker

"I haven't a clue.

BBC

He hadn't a clue.

The New Yorker

But it's a clue".

The New Yorker

Nobody had a clue".

The New York Times

China offers a clue.

The Economist

Peanuts provide a clue.

The Economist

And now a clue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clue" when referring to a specific piece of information that helps solve a puzzle or mystery. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the clue pertains to.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of "a clue". While it provides a hint, it may not definitively solve the problem. Qualify its importance accordingly, such as "a helpful clue" or "a potential clue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces a piece of information that provides a hint or suggestion towards solving a puzzle or problem. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clue" functions as a noun phrase that provides a hint or suggestion for solving a puzzle or problem. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase maintains a neutral formality level, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. Related phrases include "a hint" and "a lead", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "a clue", ensure the context is clear and avoid overstating its significance, as it may not provide a complete solution but rather a direction for further investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint

This alternative is a more general term for a subtle suggestion or indication.

a lead

This alternative is commonly used in investigative contexts to refer to a piece of information that helps guide an inquiry.

a suggestion

This alternative focuses on the idea of a possible course of action or idea.

a sign

This alternative refers to something that points to the existence or likelihood of something else.

an indication

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes that something is likely to be the case.

a pointer

This alternative implies a more direct and obvious hint.

a piece of evidence

This alternative suggests stronger support or proof for something.

a tip

This alternative suggests informal and practical advice or information.

a key

This alternative signifies something crucial or essential for understanding or solving something.

a trace

This alternative implies a subtle and often difficult-to-find piece of evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clue" to indicate a piece of information that helps solve a problem. For example, "The detective found "a clue" at the crime scene that pointed to the suspect's identity."

What are some alternatives to "a clue"?

Alternatives include "a hint", "a lead", or "an indication" depending on the context. Each alternative carries slightly different nuances regarding the strength and directness of the information provided.

How does "a clue" differ from "evidence"?

"A clue" is a hint or suggestion, while "evidence" is more direct proof. "A clue" may suggest a possible direction, but evidence provides stronger support for a conclusion.

Is it correct to say "an clue" instead of "a clue"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect to say "an clue". The correct form is "a clue" because "clue" starts with a consonant sound, which requires the indefinite article "a". Using "an" before a consonant sound is a common grammatical error.