a clue about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clue about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to introduce information that provides an indication or hint about something else. For example: "She found a clue about the whereabouts of the missing package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hadn't a clue about hanging.

The Guardian

"She doesn't have a clue about it".

The New Yorker

Children today haven't a clue about nature.

The Guardian

We didn't have a clue about life.

The New Yorker

I didn't have a clue about anything.

The New York Times - Sports

He hadn't a clue about IWD.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He hasn't got a clue about politics," the coach said.

The New York Times

Here again, G.M. offers a clue about how to proceed.

The New York Times

Again, Flower gave a clue about his thinking.

Independent

Its older politicians had not a clue about social media.

The Economist

"And at least Obama has a clue about women's issues".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clue about", ensure that the clue directly relates to and provides insight into the subject you are discussing. Make the connection clear for your reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a mere correlation is "a clue about" causation. Ensure there's a logical link, not just a coincidental relationship, before presenting it as meaningful evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clue about" functions as a prepositional phrase providing additional information about a noun, indicating a piece of evidence or hint concerning a specific subject. Ludwig shows examples where it introduces information providing insight or direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clue about" serves to introduce a hint or piece of information pertaining to a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is versatile across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, science, and academic writing. While simple to use, be cautious about mistaking correlations for genuine clues. When you want to indicate something that provides insight or direction, "a clue about" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of

Focuses on providing a sign or signal pointing towards something.

a hint regarding

Emphasizes a subtle suggestion or piece of information related to something.

an inkling concerning

Highlights a vague idea or suspicion related to the topic.

a suspicion regarding

Implies a feeling that something might be the case, connected to the subject.

a suggestion relating to

Indicates an idea or plan offered in connection with the topic.

evidence pertaining to

Focuses on factual information that relates to the subject.

an intimation of

Stresses a subtle and indirect suggestion or hint.

a sign relating to

Highlights an observable occurrence that indicates something about the topic.

a lead concerning

Emphasizes information that helps to solve a problem or mystery.

a glimmer of

Indicates a faint or weak sign or clue.

FAQs

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

Use "a clue about" to introduce a hint or piece of information that sheds light on a particular topic. For example: "The detective found "a clue about" the suspect's motive."

What are some alternatives to saying "a clue about"?

You can use phrases like "a hint regarding", "an indication of", or "a lead concerning" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a clue about" or "clues to"?

The choice depends on the context. "A clue about" is used when you have a single hint relating to something, while "clues to" is used when you have multiple hints that collectively point towards something. For example: "This document gives "a clue about" their strategy" vs. "These documents offer "clues to" their strategy."

Can "a clue about" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a clue about" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "evidence pertaining to" or "an indication of".