a slight hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight hint of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small or subtle indication or suggestion of something. Example: As he walked into the room, John noticed a slight hint of tension between his coworkers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Do I detect a slight hint of bunny desperation?

The Guardian - Sport

There was a slight hint of brighter skies towards the north-east.

The Guardian

The batter is especially good, sweet and crispy with a slight hint of fresh popcorn.

The Guardian - Travel

It had no flavor, only a slight hint of the overly sweet liqueur.

The New York Times

A slight hint of danger, but the new attacking Murray v2.0 produces some heavy artillery.

The Guardian - Sport

When queried about his feel for marketing and public relations, Lamoriello expressed only a slight hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And Ms. Cain, a dancer who mixes standard ballerina reserve with an enjoyable slight hint of subversion, was an eventually submissive dreamer.

The New York Times - Arts

He speaks of his Indonesian and Egyptian creations softly, with the slight hint of a British accent, evidence of his years in the British school system.

The New York Times

The whiskey has a deep rich amber color with very slight hints of a reddish hue from the wine barrel in which it was finished.

Huffington Post

But many joined the group for narrower reasons, like fighting taxes on soda or snacks, and clearly have little interest in voter ID requirements or the N.R.A.'s vision of a society where anyone can fire a concealed weapon at the slightest hint of a threat.

The New York Times

Again, however, Tranmere found it difficult to finish a cup tie without the slightest hint of a refereeing controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight hint of", ensure the noun following 'of' accurately reflects the subtle quality you intend to convey. The noun should be something that can exist in varying degrees or intensities.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight hint of" with uncountable nouns that cannot logically be measured in small degrees. For instance, instead of "a slight hint of water", consider "a slight trace of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight hint of" functions as a modifier within a sentence, typically acting as an adjective phrase that qualifies a noun. It describes the intensity or degree to which a certain quality or attribute is present. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a small or subtle indication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight hint of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a subtle presence or indication of something. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, making it a valuable tool for adding nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. When using this phrase, ensure that the noun following 'of' is something that can logically exist in varying degrees, and be mindful of avoiding its use with uncountable nouns that cannot be measured in small increments. Alternatives such as "a subtle indication of" or "a faint trace of" can provide similar shades of meaning while slightly adjusting the tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle indication of

Replaces 'hint' with 'indication', emphasizing a less obvious sign.

a faint trace of

Uses 'trace' to suggest an even more minimal presence.

a delicate touch of

Employs 'touch' to convey a gentle or refined quality.

a mild suggestion of

Substitutes 'hint' with 'suggestion', implying a more proposed or implied element.

a whisper of

Uses 'whisper' to evoke a very quiet or subtle indication.

a soupçon of

Borrowing from French, it implies a very small amount or hint.

a tinge of

Indicates a slight coloring or influence.

an inkling of

Suggests a vague or uncertain idea or feeling.

a suspicion of

Implies a slight feeling of doubt or mistrust.

an overtone of

Suggests an additional, often subtle, quality or implication.

FAQs

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

Use "a slight hint of" to describe something that has a small amount or indication of a particular quality or ingredient. For example, "The sauce had "a slight hint of garlic"" or "There was "a slight hint of sadness" in her voice.

What phrases are similar to "a slight hint of"?

Similar phrases include "a subtle indication of", "a faint trace of", or "a delicate touch of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a slight hint of" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a neutral and clear way to express a subtle presence or indication without being overly informal. However, consider "a subtle indication of" as an even more formal option.

When should I avoid using "a slight hint of"?

Avoid using "a slight hint of" when describing something that is very obvious or strong. In such cases, it's better to use phrases like "a strong indication of" or "a clear sign of". Also, avoid using it with uncountable nouns that cannot be logically measured in small degrees.