a tiny hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tiny hint of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a very small amount or suggestion of something. For example: I could see a tiny hint of disappointment in her eyes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But her arms and legs were thin and wasted-looking, and she had only a tiny hint of the expected baby bump.

The New York Times - Magazine

The first was called Takemaru's Ninja Castle, and Nintendo showed a tiny hint of it at its press conference last year.

The Guardian - Tech

It's a very-nearly-matte with loads of pigment and a tiny hint of sheen for a look that's easier to wear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"How does it make me feel being Caroline Kennedy?" she asks, and laughs at him, her mockery spiced with a tiny hint of flirtation.

The New Yorker

Fast-forward almost 20 years and, with the country on the brink of another momentous electoral change, there is a tiny hint of optimism bubbling up.

The Guardian

Now, with this latest film, Green has fully rediscovered his first, Malickian, style – though there is, interestingly, a tiny hint of wackiness.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

To put this another way, any tiny hint of moderate views will be mercilessly punished.

HuffPost

Israel's latest outrages in Gaza have produced a rare but tiny hint of American disapproval.

The Guardian

Part of Curtis's secret for beguiling audiences was that tiny hint of Peter Pan – albeit a wised-up, street-smart Peter Pan who knew all the angles.

The Guardian - Film

In tune with this tiny hint of optimism, Gervasi uses his film to trace the recrudescence of Anvil.

The New Yorker

It tingles with acidity that hides the tiny hint of sweetness that makes it really work against the smoke and salt of the bacon and with the caramelised scallops and sweetness of the peas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny hint of" to add nuance and subtlety to your writing when you want to indicate a minimal or barely perceptible presence of something.

Common error

While "a tiny hint of" is useful, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Too many instances can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a touch of" or "a trace of" for /s/a+trace+of.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny hint of" functions as a qualifier or intensifier before a noun, indicating a very small amount or degree of a particular quality or substance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny hint of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a very small amount or subtle presence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various writing contexts, with a neutral register that makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While not exceedingly common, its precise meaning and versatility make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetition and consider synonyms like "a trace of" or "a touch of" for /s/a+touch+of to maintain writing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trace of

Emphasizes an even smaller amount or presence.

a suggestion of

Highlights a subtle indication rather than a direct presence.

a touch of

Implies a gentle or delicate addition or presence.

a shade of

Suggests a minimal degree or tint of something.

a glimmer of

Indicates a faint or fleeting appearance of something.

a suspicion of

Implies a slight feeling or belief without concrete evidence.

a whisper of

Conveys a very faint or subtle presence.

an inkling of

Refers to a vague or uncertain idea about something.

a soupçon of

Uses a French term to denote a very small amount, often in culinary or sophisticated contexts.

a scintilla of

Implies an extremely small and often immeasurable amount.

FAQs

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

Use "a tiny hint of" to indicate a very small amount or subtle presence of something. For example, "I detected "a tiny hint of sarcasm" in his voice".

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

You can use alternatives like "a trace of", "a touch of", or "a shade of" to express a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a tiny hint of" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and common usage make it suitable for various contexts.

What's the difference between "a tiny hint of" and "a slight hint of"?

"A tiny hint of" emphasizes the small quantity or subtle nature of something even more than "a slight hint of". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.