a hint of nostalgia

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of nostalgia" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that evokes a slight feeling of longing or wistfulness for the past. Example: "The old photographs brought a hint of nostalgia, reminding her of carefree summer days spent with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Nevertheless, when he recalls his Greenpoint times there is a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

The New York Times

Loach remembers Britain's postwar solidarity with archive footage and more than a hint of nostalgia and Thatcher bashing.

The Guardian - Film

Many hail from Anatolia, sharing the party's ideology of social conservatism and economic liberalism, with a hint of nostalgia for the old empire.

The New York Times

Ambrose and Reigns offered a hint of nostalgia as they had each other's back throughout the show, a move that was emphasised as they had somewhat drifted since Rollins' betrayal.

Independent

Sarah notes ruefully that corrections doesn't really leave you qualified to do much of anything besides security, and you sense a hint of nostalgia for the factory job that preceded her state time.

The New York Times - Magazine

But while Mr. Tsosie, like Ms. Quackenbush before him, seemed immune to the mythology of 666, others expressed a hint of nostalgia at the thought of the name change.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But any hint of nostalgia is joined to a spirit of stylistic playfulness, a game of expectations that once again shows Lutoslawski assimilating the spirit of the times.

The New York Times - Arts

In its extensive exhibits, the museum strips away any hint of nostalgia and reveals what was at stake and how desperate people were to achieve it.

The New York Times - Arts

But for those working in the deep, dark, subterranean world of the colliery, any hint of nostalgia is quickly swept aside – this is hard, tough, work, where there is no room for sentimentality.

BBC

Elaine was amused by the idea of a New Yorker blog (I think she may have considered it an oxymoron), but she was also very interested in talking about it, and though there was a hint of the nostalgia for a better literary time that everyone from that time has, she gave me, in that brief conversation, a feeling that she was excited for me.

The New Yorker

Kalman's illustrations of the romance's debris are rendered with a hint of retro nostalgia.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of nostalgia" to subtly suggest a positive connection to the past, without dwelling excessively on it. It's best used when the primary focus is on the present or future, but the past adds depth or context.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of nostalgia" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your language by using synonyms or alternative expressions to convey similar meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of nostalgia" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence. It denotes a subtle evocation of past times or experiences, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hint of nostalgia" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that subtly evokes a feeling of longing for the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though most commonly found in news and media. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and avoid overuse to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing. Consider alternatives like "a touch of wistfulness" or "a shade of reminiscence" to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of wistfulness

Emphasizes the wistful aspect, focusing on gentle sadness or longing.

a suggestion of sentimentality

Highlights the sentimental quality, pointing to an emotional connection with the past.

a shade of reminiscence

Implies a thoughtful reflection on past experiences.

a glimmer of days gone by

Evokes a faint, shining image of the past.

a faint echo of the past

Focuses on the reverberating impact of previous events.

a nostalgic undercurrent

Suggests a subtle, underlying feeling of nostalgia influencing the present.

a delicate remembrance

Emphasizes the fragility and tenderness of the memory.

a soft longing for yesterday

Directly expresses the desire for a return to past times.

a whisper of bygone eras

Conveys a hushed, barely perceptible sense of the olden days.

a fleeting memory

Implies a brief and transient recall of past experiences.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a hint of nostalgia" in a sentence?

Use "a hint of nostalgia" to subtly evoke positive memories or feelings associated with the past. For example, "The vintage decor in the cafe gave the place "a hint of nostalgia", reminding me of my grandmother's kitchen."

What are some alternatives to "a hint of nostalgia"?

You can use alternatives like "a touch of wistfulness", "a suggestion of sentimentality", or "a shade of reminiscence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a hint of nostalgia" in formal writing?

While "a hint of nostalgia" is generally acceptable, consider the specific tone and context of your writing. In highly formal or academic contexts, you might prefer more precise or nuanced language. However, in many cases, it is perfectly suitable.

What's the difference between "a hint of nostalgia" and "a wave of nostalgia"?

"A hint of nostalgia" implies a subtle and gentle feeling, while "a wave of nostalgia" suggests a stronger, more overwhelming experience of longing for the past.