an inkling of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inkling of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a slight or vague idea or understanding of something. Example: "She had an inkling of what was going to happen next, but she couldn't be sure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I begin with an inkling of something on paper.

The New Yorker

He also had an inkling of Flood's future plans.

Independent

"They don't have an inkling of our lifestyle here".

The New York Times

Does she always start with an inkling of tone?

The Guardian - Film

They have an inkling of what is to come.

The New York Times - Sports

Most people by now may recall a moment of clarity, an inkling of doom.

The New Yorker

Large gas discoveries in nearby Israeli waters give an inkling of what could be in store.

The Economist

IT IS not quite a trend, more an inkling of change.

The Economist

The author also offers an inkling of the underlying maths in terms of elementary algebra.

The Economist

If there's an inkling of doubt, they could find themselves searching for a franchise quarterback.

The New York Times

I had an inkling of the horror to ensue that night.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inkling of" when you want to express a vague or initial understanding, rather than a complete or certain knowledge. For instance, "I had "an inkling of" the problem, but didn't fully understand it until later."

Common error

Avoid using "an inkling of" when you actually possess comprehensive knowledge or certainty about something. The phrase is meant to convey a partial or uncertain understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inkling of" functions as a modifier to a noun, indicating a slight or vague understanding or awareness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an inkling of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a slight or vague understanding of something. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "a hint of" or "a notion of" exist, "an inkling of" effectively communicates a partial or preliminary awareness. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended meaning and accurately represents the degree of knowledge you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notion of

Highlights a general idea or concept, often not fully formed.

a faint idea of

Focuses on the weak or unclear nature of the understanding.

a hint of

Focuses on a subtle indication rather than a complete understanding.

a suggestion of

Indicates a subtle or indirect indication.

a glimmer of

Emphasizes a faint or indistinct sign or indication.

a sense of

Emphasizes intuition or feeling rather than concrete knowledge.

a suspicion of

Implies a negative connotation, suggesting doubt or distrust.

a trace of

Highlights a minimal or barely perceptible amount or indication.

a clue about

Refers to a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or problem.

a preliminary understanding of

Conveys an initial and incomplete grasp of something.

FAQs

How can I use "an inkling of" in a sentence?

You can use "an inkling of" to indicate a slight suspicion, a vague idea, or a hint of something. For example, "She had "an inkling of" what was going to happen next".

What are some alternatives to "an inkling of"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of", "a suspicion of", or "a sense of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an inkling of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an inkling of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is widely recognized and understood, making it versatile for various contexts.

What's the difference between "an inkling of" and "a complete understanding of"?

"An inkling of" suggests a partial or vague understanding, while "a complete understanding of" implies full and comprehensive knowledge. Use "an inkling of" when the understanding is incomplete.