a hint of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication of a particular quality, feeling, or flavor. Example: "The dish had a hint of lemon, which added a refreshing touch to the overall flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

There is, in short, something hollowed out in "Spectre"—a hint of something not quite there, as wraithlike as the title suggests.

The New Yorker

It tasted like water, with a hint of something.

The New Yorker

"You want just a hint of something personal," Mr. Normant said.

The New York Times

It was a cold thrum, a hint of something bottomless and angry.

The New Yorker

Broccoli raab has a hint of something dark under its broccoli beginnings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some missed it at the time, but there was another strand to Trump's Aipac speech – a hint of something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

And yet, talking to him, you can hear a hint of excitement, something rising.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dress to show off the fact that you play video games without being nerdy with a hint of punk, something like a hat and/or a shirt with game titles or funny saying like "playing games, 'be back soon" with a pair of skinny jeans and maybe a leather jacket, along with a pair of vans holds it all together nicely.

WikiHow

There was a strange hint of something like sexuality between them: twice the pair remade classic romantic comedies as buddy movies, with Jerry appearing in what had been the female lead role (Living It Up, originally Nothing Sacred, and You're Never Too Young, originally The Major and the Minor).

The Guardian - Film

When Pop & Hiss quizzed Big Boi on whether Out Kast's long-awaited return would happen after his sophomore effort -- part of a three-album deal he inked with Def Jam – the rapper laughed off the question and offered a cryptic hint of "something like that".

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Johnson today gave a hint of what the something more would be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of something" when you want to subtly suggest a particular quality, feeling, or element without being overly direct or explicit. It's effective for creating intrigue or conveying understated information.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a hint of something" in close proximity. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "a touch of", "a trace of", or more specific sensory descriptions to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of something" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It describes a subtle presence or indication of a particular quality or element. Ludwig examples show it is commonly used to add nuance to descriptions.

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 something" is a versatile phrase used to subtly indicate a quality or element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it's a valuable tool for adding nuance to your writing, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrasings like "a touch of something" or "a trace of something" to maintain variety and reader engagement. Mastering this phrase allows for effective communication with understated emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of something

Emphasizes a slight, delicate quality.

a trace of something

Highlights a minimal, almost imperceptible amount.

a suggestion of something

Focuses on a subtle indication or implication.

an inkling of something

Implies a vague or intuitive feeling.

a glimmer of something

Suggests a faint or fleeting appearance.

a shadow of something

Indicates a vague or indistinct presence.

a suspicion of something

Conveys a feeling of uncertainty or mistrust.

a whiff of something

Relates to a fleeting sensory experience, often smell.

an element of something

Refers to a component or ingredient.

a taste of something

Implies a brief experience or exposure.

FAQs

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

Use "a hint of something" to subtly suggest a quality or element. For example, "The music had "a hint of jazz"" or "There was "a hint of sadness" in her voice".

What's the difference between "a hint of something" and "a touch of something"?

"A hint of something" implies a subtle suggestion or indication, while "a touch of something" suggests a delicate or light application. The terms are similar and can be interchangeable depending on context.

What can I say instead of "a hint of something"?

You can use alternatives like "a trace of something", "a touch of something", or "a suggestion of something" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a hint of something" is suitable for formal writing as it's a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise or descriptive alternative might be more effective.