a small hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small hint" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to suggest that a person may need to be given a clue in order to figure out something. For example, "The answer to this question is quite complicated - here's a small hint to get you started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is a small hint to keep meetings under 15 minutes.

The Economist

Here's a small hint: kinda looks like mining on that asteroid in Armageddon.

The New York Times - Magazine

A small hint comes from interesting research about how people thrive.

The New York Times

Mr. Annan dropped a small hint at his news conference that one way to get there was through public protests.

The New York Times

But the accompanying statement gave a small hint that they may now pause.There are plenty of reasons to stop cutting.

The Economist

Again, the Motherwell Times provides a small hint as to why he may have been given the job.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

From eye color to perhaps even a building in a skyline, a very small hint of accent color (that matches with the intended room) can add interest.

WikiHow

Frankie said he was satisfied, but said he would continue to check publishing websites to "see if there are any small hints of an asthma pump or a hearing aid, so that I do know they're still pushing the idea of diversity in books".

The Guardian - Film

The receiver will get a small flirty hint about yourself, which can lead to an interesting conversation!

WikiHow

Naturally, Feige's small hint was met with a flurry of excitement, with prominent figures in the media industry tweeting over how to get the project off the ground.

Forbes

This refreshing cube will add a small refreshing hint of cucumber and basil to your drink.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small hint" when you want to gently guide someone towards an answer or understanding without giving it away directly. This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a small hint" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a subtle clue" or "a gentle suggestion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small hint" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., give, offer) or as a subject complement, denoting a subtle suggestion or clue. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small hint" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that serves to provide a subtle clue or suggestion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news and media, academia, and general writing. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider alternatives like "a subtle clue" or "a gentle suggestion" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media outlets, Wikis and Academia, showcasing its applicability across various forms of media. Therefore, use "a small hint" when you intend to guide someone gently towards a solution or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight suggestion

Similar to "a small hint", but with more emphasis on the suggestion aspect.

a subtle clue

Emphasizes the subtlety of the clue provided.

a little lead

Emphasizes a subtle advance.

a gentle suggestion

Highlights the non-forceful nature of the suggestion.

an indirect prompt

Highlights the non-direct aspect of the prompt

a minor indication

Focuses on the insignificance of the sign.

a clue

A shorter, more general term with similar meaning.

a passing reference

Indicates a brief and not very significant mention.

a faint trace

Suggests something barely perceptible.

a tiny piece of information

Highlights the small amount of info given.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small hint" to offer a subtle clue or suggestion. For example, "I can't tell you the answer, but here's "a small hint": think about the water cycle."

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

Alternatives to "a small hint" include "a subtle clue", "a gentle suggestion", or "a minor indication", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a small hint", or should I use another phrasing?

Saying "a small hint" is perfectly correct. It is a common and grammatically sound way to offer a subtle clue or suggestion. Other options like "a slight suggestion" are also valid.

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

"A small hint" implies a subtle, gentle clue, while "a big hint" suggests a more obvious and direct clue. The choice depends on how much guidance you want to give. Using "a small hint" allows the person to figure out the answer themselves with minimal assistance.