a hint of pride

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hint of pride" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small amount of pride that someone may be exhibiting. For example, "He smiled with a hint of pride as he received his diploma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It's made here," she said, with a hint of pride.

The Guardian - Books

Is there a hint of pride in that statement?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whenever I try, my uterus starts falling out," Marfa said provocatively, with a hint of pride.

The New Yorker

"She's a real battleaxe, that one," says Nick, with a hint of pride.

Independent

I can do one-handed pull-ups," she says with a hint of pride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He's a really good stuntman," Mr. Rodriguez said with a hint of pride.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Elected the fortieth President of the United States, President Pryor opens his first press conference calmly and with only a hint of racial pride.

The New Yorker

During the many casual chats I had on the streets of Tripoli, I probed for at least a vague range of opinion on Qaddafi, but the universal response I received was one of admiration, a hint of national pride.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I don't have a mobile telephone," he tells me with a slight hint of pride.

BBC

"My work has definitely gone in a good direction since we came here," said Huma Bhabha, a 42-year-old sculptor, speaking with a hint of surprise mixed with pride.

The New York Times

The Earl - caught up in the Zong case - studies it with pride and a hint of confusion.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of pride" to subtly convey a character's feelings or a speaker's attitude, adding depth without being overly boastful. This is particularly effective in narrative writing and dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of pride" repeatedly in close proximity. Overuse can dilute its impact and make writing seem predictable. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of pride" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates a subtle manifestation of pride, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hint of pride" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a subtle feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for describing nuanced character emotions or understated achievements. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media, as well as academic writing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid repetition and maintain writing quality. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in adding delicate emotional shading to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle sense of achievement

Highlights the feeling of accomplishment, emphasizing its subtle nature.

a glimmer of satisfaction

This phrase replaces "pride" with "satisfaction", focusing on contentment rather than overt pride.

a dash of self-satisfaction

This expression conveys a small amount of contentment with oneself, similar to pride but softer.

a tinge of self-regard

This alternative replaces pride with self-regard, keeping a subtle and refined tone.

an air of accomplishment

This alternative focuses on achievement rather than internal pride, suitable for external praise.

a whisper of smugness

This phrase replaces pride with smugness, indicating a more conceited sense of self-satisfaction.

a delicate self-assurance

Implies a gentle form of confidence, subtly expressing self-belief.

a touch of arrogance

This alternative suggests a slightly negative connotation, implying a small amount of overconfidence.

a modicum of self-esteem

This alternative focuses on self-esteem, changing the focus from outward pride to internal valuation.

a shade of self-importance

This alternative introduces a sense of inflated ego, moving away from simple pride.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hint of pride" to describe a subtle expression of satisfaction or accomplishment. For example, "She smiled with "a hint of pride" after completing the project successfully."

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

Alternatives include expressions like "a glimmer of satisfaction", "a tinge of self-regard", or "an air of accomplishment", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hint of pride"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "A hint of" is a standard construction used to indicate a small amount of something, and it pairs well with abstract nouns like "pride".

What's the difference between "a hint of pride" and "full of pride"?

"A hint of pride" suggests a subtle, understated feeling, while "full of pride" indicates a strong, overt emotion. The former is more subdued and nuanced, the latter more pronounced and visible.