as clues of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as clues of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something serves as evidence or indicators of a particular situation or phenomenon. Example: "The footprints in the sand were left as clues of the animals that had passed through the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lead researcher Dr Nick Neave said: "Although it is traditionally thought that signals given off by men when they dance have been designed - like animal mating displays - to be interpreted as clues of their physical attributes to the opposite sex, it seems that heterosexual men are also making use of these signals, presumably to detect a potential love rival.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Signs or symptoms of laryngitis may be important as clues to suspicion of GOR-CC.

Cough

The sfety board said it had used its standard techniques of voice analysis, measuring the rise in pitch and the rate of speaking, as clues to the stress level of the cockpit crew.

The New York Times

The altered protein targets may shed light to the mechanism of peritoneal change and function as clues to initial damage of peritoneal membrane.

BioMed Research International

The results presented herein can provide evidence about the current status and future trends in HSR, as well as clues to the impact of this hot topic.

Health Research Policy and Systems

All of these behaviors may serve as clues for the further elucidation of the FcFT1 light-mediated regulation mechanism.

BMC Plant Biology

They were also instructed that the different indicators (blink, yawn, body position and body movements) should be seen as prototypical clues of what to look for in the video.

European Transport Research Review

We identified at both transcriptional and post transcriptional levels some variations in the photosynthesis pathway and metabolism as potential clues of the susceptible response.

BMC Plant Biology

The picture is scattered with what could be taken as clues: the deliberate use of colour, the use of black-and-white, the precise framing.

The Guardian - Film

The GO terms are commonly used as clues in the discovery of molecules involved in the infection process, pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions [ 30].

BMC Genomics

Oligomycin sensitivity is universally recognized as a clue of the functional integrity and matching between F0 and F1.

Mitochondrion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as clues of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being indicated. The strength of the "clues" should match the certainty of the indication. For instance, use it when referring to early signs or subtle indicators rather than definitive proof.

Common error

Avoid using "as clues of" when the evidence is conclusive. This phrase suggests an interpretive element, implying that further analysis or investigation is needed. Instead, opt for phrases like "as evidence of" or "as proof of" when certainty is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as clues of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something serves as an indicator or hint. Ludwig AI examples show its use in contexts where certain signals or data provide insights into a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as clues of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something functions as an indicator or hint. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science and news media. While not extremely common, its correct usage involves carefully aligning the significance of the clues with the certainty of the intended indication. Alternatives like "as hints of" or "as indicators of" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. Ensure not to overstate the significance of clues, especially where more definitive evidence exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as hints of

Replaces "clues" with "hints", suggesting a more subtle indication.

as indicators of

Uses a more direct synonym for "clues", emphasizing the role of indication.

as signs of

Emphasizes the role of the phrase as a signal or omen of something.

as evidence of

Highlights the evidentiary aspect, implying stronger support.

as intimations of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication, replacing "clues" with a more formal term.

as suggestions of

Conveys a more tentative or speculative role compared to "clues".

as pointers to

Shifts the metaphor to something that directs attention toward something else.

as leads to

Emphasizes the guiding nature of the clues, implying a path to discovery.

as indications pointing to

Combines 'indications' with a directional element, adding a sense of guidance.

as precursors to

Highlights that the clues are things that come before and suggest something else will follow.

FAQs

How can I use "as clues of" in a sentence?

You can use "as clues of" to indicate that something serves as an indicator or hint towards a particular situation or outcome. For example, "The strange symbols found at the crime scene served as clues of a ritualistic motive".

What can I say instead of "as clues of"?

You can use alternatives like "as hints of", "as indicators of", or "as signs of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "as clues of" or "as clues to"?

Both "as clues of" and "as clues to" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "As clues of" suggests that something provides indications or evidence about a broader situation, while "as clues to" implies guidance toward solving a specific problem or mystery.

What's the difference between "as clues of" and "as evidence of"?

"As clues of" suggests a more tentative or interpretive role, indicating that something provides hints or suggestions. In contrast, "as evidence of" indicates a stronger, more direct link, where something provides proof or concrete support for a claim.