a hint of irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hint of irritation" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey a small amount of annoyance or frustration. Example: After waiting in line for twenty minutes, there was a hint of irritation in her voice as she asked the cashier for the status of her order.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A hint of irritation crossed Bharara's face.

The New Yorker

"What kind?" my bartender asked with what sounded like a hint of irritation.

The New York Times - Food

You say the whole war was televised?" Now, there was a hint of irritation in his voice.

The New York Times

But when he was asked about the absentees in his squad, there was a hint of irritation.

The Guardian - Sport

'All I can say,' she replies without even a hint of irritation, 'is that it never feels like that.

The Guardian - Film

"If they say I have raw talent, then I have raw talent," Pierre-Paul said, betraying a hint of irritation with a description that may no longer apply.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Benitez offered a hint of his irritation with Crouch's unwillingness to accept the new contract offered to him last December, implying that he had played a part in the player's transition from journeyman to top-flight player.

Independent

He observed that American public opinion often wavers during a protracted conflict, and he quoted General George C. Marshall's admonition that "a democracy cannot fight a Seven Years War"; his tone betrayed a hint of professional irritation at weak-kneed tendencies among the people.

The New Yorker

In a further hint of irritation with Iran, however, the agency's director general, Yukiya Amano, told reporters that his initial optimism after Iran agreed to permit the inspectors to visit had soured, because of what he called Iran's "old restrictive approach that seeks to tie our hands".

The New York Times

At the Stade des Bourgognes, England's training ground on the outskirts of Chantilly, there was an unmistakable hint of irritation in Roy Hodgson's voice.

The Guardian - Sport

By now there is just the slightest hint of irritation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, use “a hint of irritation” to subtly convey their feelings without explicitly stating they are angry or upset. This adds nuance to your writing and allows the reader to infer the character's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using stronger terms when “a hint of irritation” is more appropriate. Using words like “anger” or “fury” when the situation only warrants mild annoyance can create a melodramatic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of irritation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a mild degree of annoyance or frustration. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and commonly used phrase. It is used to subtly indicate someone's emotional state without explicitly stating strong negative feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hint of irritation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe a slight degree of annoyance or frustration. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to subtly convey a character's emotional state without resorting to stronger language. This phrase is versatile due to its neutral register. When using the phrase, aim for subtlety and avoid overstating emotions. Related phrases offer different shades of meaning, allowing for precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of annoyance

Slightly downplays the intensity compared to irritation, suggesting a milder form of annoyance.

a shade of annoyance

Similar to 'a touch', indicating a very subtle degree of annoyance.

a trace of vexation

Vexation implies a more prolonged or deeper-seated annoyance than irritation.

a glimmer of impatience

Focuses on the feeling of being restless or wanting something to happen sooner, which can be related to irritation.

a spark of frustration

Emphasizes the feeling of being blocked or prevented from achieving something, leading to a form of irritation.

a degree of displeasure

More formal, indicating a lack of satisfaction or approval that can stem from irritation.

a hint of dissatisfaction

Similar to 'displeasure', but focuses on a lack of contentment or happiness.

a soupçon of resentment

Implies a lingering feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of perceived unfair treatment, which can manifest as irritation.

a whiff of pique

Pique suggests a sudden feeling of annoyance or wounded pride, often temporary.

a flutter of bother

Bother implies a mild and often fleeting form of annoyance.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of irritation" in a sentence?

You can use "a hint of irritation" to describe a mild level of annoyance. For example, "A hint of irritation crossed his face when the meeting ran over time."

What's a more intense alternative to "a hint of irritation"?

For more intense feelings, consider using phrases like "a wave of irritation", "a flash of irritation", or outright stating someone was "angry" or "annoyed" depending on the degree of emotion.

Is it correct to say "an hint of irritation" instead of "a hint of irritation"?

No, it's not correct. The correct article to use before "hint" is "a" because "hint" begins with a consonant sound. "An" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "a hint of irritation" and "a sign of irritation"?

"A hint of irritation" refers to a subtle indication of annoyance, while "a sign of irritation" suggests a more noticeable or overt display of annoyance. The former is more understated, the latter, more evident.