a little hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little hint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone a gentle suggestion or piece of advice. For example, "I can't give you the answer, but here's a little hint: Think about the 3 R's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So there's a little hint".

The New York Times - Sports

A little hint of salsa.

The Guardian - Music

Actually, maybe a little hint wouldn't hurt.

The New Yorker

That way, parents and kids can check their answers or get a little hint.

Princeton University

It was a delicate cool summer night, a little hint of the coming fall.

The New Yorker

Here's a little hint for menswear designers next year: Think Canada.

The New Yorker

You get wood and fruit and a little hint of citrus.

The New York Times - Food

"They're not presenting data or anything, they're giving you a little hint," Dr. Wolfe said.

The New York Times

A black man with bass in his voice and maybe a little hint of facial hair?

The Guardian

"It would be sugary and creamy with a little hint of flavor.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can have the computer give you a little hint to jog your memory at the login screen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little hint" to introduce a piece of information that doesn't fully reveal the answer but guides the audience towards it. This is especially useful in educational contexts or when giving advice.

Common error

While "a little hint" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "an indication" or "a subtle clue" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little hint" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It offers a softened or indirect way of presenting information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little hint" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that offers a subtle suggestion or clue. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to guide understanding without being overly direct. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for neutral to informal contexts, opting for more formal alternatives like "a subtle indication" in academic or professional settings. Understanding its nuances allows for more effective communication and clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle clue

Replaces "hint" with "clue" and "little" with "subtle", emphasizing the indirect nature of the information.

a slight suggestion

Substitutes "hint" with "suggestion" and "little" with "slight", focusing on the act of suggesting rather than hinting.

a small indication

Changes "hint" to "indication" and "little" to "small", providing a more formal alternative.

a gentle reminder

Offers a softer approach, implying a need to remember something rather than a direct piece of information.

a trace of information

Focuses on the minimal amount of information provided.

a faint idea

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or certainty in the suggestion.

a glimmer of understanding

Suggests a spark of comprehension being offered.

a whisper of advice

Conveys the advice is given quietly or subtly.

a preliminary tip

Highlights that the tip is only initial and incomplete.

a veiled implication

Emphasizes the indirect and concealed nature of the hint.

FAQs

How can I use "a little hint" in a sentence?

You can use "a little hint" to offer subtle guidance or a suggestion without revealing too much information. For example, "I can't tell you the answer directly, but here's "a little hint": consider the context."

What are some alternatives to "a little hint"?

Some alternatives include "a subtle clue", "a slight suggestion", or "a small indication". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "a little hint" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a little hint" might be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a subtle indication" or "a slight suggestion" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a little hint" and "a big hint"?

"A little hint" implies a small, subtle suggestion, while "a big hint" suggests a more obvious and direct piece of information. The choice between the two depends on how much guidance you want to provide.