clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "clue" when you are referring to an indication that helps to solve a problem or mystery. For example, "The detectives used the small piece of paper they found as a clue to find the criminal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a clue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Suddenly, you can do things to get a clue about what might account for the result," he says.

The Guardian

And might the fact Hill is touring – including four UK dates in September – be a clue to her intentions?

The Guardian

This year the awards were shared out between the obvious contenders, with the end result being that nobody has a clue who's going to win the big ones on Oscars night.

The Guardian - Film

Months away from our next election, we don't have a clue what sort of government we might end up with and which currently obscure player from a minor party could be calling the shots.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the more times (eight in all) that Hill asked him to name them, the more it was evident that the Liberal candidate for Greenway didn't have a clue.

The Guardian

Do you refer to them by their full name, thus blowing any pretence of familiarity with them, or just gently drop in their first name and risk nobody having a clue who you're talking about?

The Guardian

"There is this circle of men hiring men and telling men's stories, and not having a clue that it is not always very interesting.

The Guardian - Film

Shazad Akbar, a lawyer and anti-drone campaigner, said he believed the strikes took place in Pakistan and they "proved the CIA have no clue who they are killing".

The Guardian

And there we may have the real clue to Cameron's manner.

The Guardian - Opinion

The clue is in the title… …Job Seekers Allowance is only available for those who are genuinely seeking a job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "clue" to introduce a specific item or piece of information that offers insight, avoiding generalization. For instance, use "The key clue was the torn photograph" rather than "There were many clues at the scene".

Common error

Avoid assuming every minor detail is a significant "clue". Overemphasizing trivial details can distract from more crucial evidence and weaken your narrative or analysis. Focus on elements with a clear, demonstrable connection to the central issue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clue" is as a noun, referring to a piece of information used to solve a mystery or problem. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clue" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a piece of information that aids in solving a mystery or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. With a neutral formality, "clue" appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "hint" or "indication" exist, "clue" uniquely encapsulates the sense of guidance towards a solution. Remember to use "clue" for significant details directly related to solving the central problem, avoiding the overemphasis of trivial information. In essence, a "clue" is a key piece in the puzzle of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hint

A more casual and subtle suggestion or indication.

Indication

A more formal term for something that points towards a particular fact or conclusion.

Suggestion

A subtle way to introduce something that points to a solution.

Lead

Emphasizes the guidance or direction provided by the information.

Sign

Highlights the role of the "clue" as a symbol or indicator of something else.

Tip

A piece of information that is not obvious or well-known.

Trace

Implies something that was previously hidden or unknown.

Cue

A signal for something to happen.

Understanding

A deep analysis that gives an "clue" of something.

Clew

Archaic term for "clue", referring to a ball of yarn used to guide one through a labyrinth.

FAQs

How can I use "clue" in a sentence?

You can use "clue" to refer to a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or problem. For example, "The detective found a vital "hint" at the crime scene."

What's a good alternative to the word "clue"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "hint", "indication", or "suggestion" as alternatives for "clue".

How does "clue" differ from "evidence"?

"Clue" often refers to a piece of information that helps point towards a solution, while "evidence" is a broader term for anything that can be used to prove a fact in a legal or investigative context.

Is it correct to say someone "doesn't have a clue"?

Yes, the expression "doesn't have a "hint"" is an idiom meaning someone has no understanding or idea about something.