a clue of

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "a clue of" is not technically correct, as it does not make sense in written English.
Instead, you could use phrases such as "a clue to" or "a hint of". For example, you could say "The picture offered a clue to the answer".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or at least discover a clue of some sort.

The New Yorker

"We don't have a clue of what financial stability actually means," Mr. Blanchard confessed.

The New York Times

That's the premise, but Mercedes-Benz says it's "a clue" of things to come.

The New York Times

We'll also be selecting a Clue of the Week for further examination.

The Guardian

There was a clue, of course, that Happy Valley might not be what it first seemed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Oligomycin sensitivity is universally recognized as a clue of the functional integrity and matching between F0 and F1.

Mitochondrion

Yet just past the 17th-century farmhouse, an incongruous sound offers a clue of unusual goings-on.

The Guardian

I don't think they really have a clue of what it took to get where we are today in America.

The Guardian

They are very important because farmers before did not have a clue of where the market was.

The Guardian

Such spin-orbit misalignment is observed in many hot Jupiter system, and can thus serve as a clue of the planet's migration history.

Cornell University

Frankly, few decisive materials have been accomplished to date, whereas many studies have been done to reveal a clue of design to improve blue-emitting performances.

Photonic and Electronic Properties of Fluoride Materials Progress in Fluorine Science Series

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "a clue of", opt for "a clue to" which is the standard and accepted form in English. For example, "The evidence provides a clue to the mystery."

Common error

Avoid using "of" when "to" is required to connect "clue" with its object. The correct preposition is "to" as it establishes the relationship or direction of the clue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clue of" functions as an attempt to link a piece of information (clue) with the subject it pertains to. However, this construction is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI analysis shows that while the phrase appears in various sources, it should be replaced with "a clue to".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a clue of" appears frequently in various sources, including news and scientific articles, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, suggesting that the correct alternative is "a clue to". Therefore, to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity, it's advisable to replace "a clue of" with "a clue to" or other similar phrases like "a hint of" or "an indication of". While the intent is understood, correctness is crucial, particularly in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

This phrase is a more grammatically sound and commonly used alternative that suggests a subtle indication.

a sign of

This phrase indicates that something serves as an indication or predictor of something else.

an indication of

This alternative suggests that something serves as a pointer or suggestion toward something else.

a trace of

Implies a small amount or hint of something, usually something intangible.

a suggestion of

Suggests that something provides a subtle hint or idea.

an inkling of

This indicates a slight suspicion or vague idea.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or brief indication of something.

a suspicion of

This implies a feeling that something might be the case, based on limited evidence.

a whiff of

Implies a slight trace or hint, often related to something negative or questionable.

a taste of

Suggests a brief experience or introduction to something.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use with "a clue"?

The correct preposition to use with "a clue" is "to", not "of". For example, you should say "a clue to the mystery", not "a clue of the mystery".

What can I use instead of the incorrect phrase "a clue of"?

Instead of "a clue of", you can use alternatives like "a hint of", "a sign of", or "an indication of".

Is "a clue of" ever correct in English?

No, "a clue of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrasing is typically "a clue to".

How does using "a clue to" change the meaning compared to "a clue of"?

Using "a clue to" establishes a clear relationship between the clue and what it helps to understand, whereas "a clue of" doesn't have a recognized meaning in standard English.