a clue that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clue that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a hint or piece of information that suggests something or leads to a conclusion. Example: "The detective found a clue that pointed to the suspect's whereabouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Red herring: something, especially a clue, that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting.

Columbia University

Since we had a clue that involved "Say Anything," here's a memorable song from that film.

The New York Times

40D: If you struggle with a clue that sounds vague on first reading, break it down.

The New York Times

Inside is a letter from a lawyer and a clue that can only be from Mr. Whippet.

Princeton University

Here's a clue that may partly explain it.

BBC

An interesting idea is like a clue that leads to even more interesting ideas.

HuffPost

But here's a clue that makes that advice actionable: the shorter the ingredient list, the better.

HuffPost

Don't start with a clue that tells you something that doesn't apply, such as "Anna doesn't wear a red shirt".

WikiHow

Do get a clue that regulations won't save lives.

University of California, Berkeley

He wouldn't have a clue that one was missing.

The New Yorker

That was a clue that the weather was pretty bad.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clue that" when you want to introduce a piece of information that suggests a particular conclusion or provides insight into a situation. Ensure the 'that' clause clearly states what the clue indicates.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a clue that" automatically establishes a direct causal relationship. The clue might only indicate a correlation, and further investigation is needed to confirm causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clue that" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that what follows is a piece of information that provides insight or hints at something else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples found by Ludwig show the phrase introducing potential explanations or directions for further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clue that" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, serving to introduce information that suggests a particular conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears across various domains, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While grammatically correct, it's important to remember that correlation doesn't equal causation. When using "a clue that", ensure the context clearly conveys the suggested connection and avoid overstating the certainty of the relationship. Alternatives such as "an indication that" or "a hint that" can add nuance, but "a clue that" remains a reliable and readily understood option for signaling potential insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication that

Replaces "clue" with a more formal term, suggesting something is the case.

a hint that

Substitutes "clue" with a word implying a subtle suggestion.

evidence suggesting that

Emphasizes the evidentiary nature of the clue, framing it as proof.

a sign indicating that

Highlights that the clue serves as a signal or indicator.

a lead suggesting that

Replaces "clue" with "lead", common in investigative contexts.

a signal that

Focuses on the aspect of the clue being a signal for something.

a suggestion that

Implies the clue is a proposition or idea that warrants consideration.

an inference that

Presents the clue as something that can be logically deduced.

a telltale sign that

Adds emphasis to the revealing nature of the clue.

a pointer that

Indicates that the clue is directing attention to something specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clue that" to introduce a piece of information that suggests something. For example, "The broken window was "a clue that" someone had broken into the house".

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

Alternatives include "an indication that", "a hint that", or "evidence suggesting that", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a clue that" and "evidence that"?

While both suggest something, "a clue that" often implies a more subtle or indirect suggestion, whereas "evidence that" suggests stronger proof or support for a claim. Consider the sentence's context to determine which phrase is most appropriate.

Can "a clue that" be misleading?

Yes, a "clue that" can be misleading if it is misinterpreted or taken out of context. It's important to consider all available information before drawing conclusions based on a single clue.