clue about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clue about" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used as a way to indicate that more information is needed or to underscore one's lack of knowledge about something. For example, "I have no clue about the answer to that question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's another thing I had no clue about," Gilbert said.

The New York Times - Sports

So there was no clue about repentance".

Independent

Mr. Romney provides no clue about that.

The New York Times

Hadn't a clue about hanging.

The Guardian

"She doesn't have a clue about it".

The New Yorker

Children today haven't a clue about nature.

The Guardian

We didn't have a clue about life.

The New Yorker

I didn't have a clue about anything.

The New York Times - Sports

He hadn't a clue about IWD.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He hasn't got a clue about politics," the coach said.

The New York Times

Here again, G.M. offers a clue about how to proceed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clue about" when referring to preliminary information or hints that suggest a deeper understanding is possible. Avoid using it when definitive answers are available.

Common error

Avoid using "clue about" when you possess complete knowledge or definitive information on a subject. This phrase implies uncertainty or a partial understanding, so it's inappropriate when clarity exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clue about" functions as a prepositional phrase that often follows a noun or verb, providing additional information or context. It typically indicates a hint, suggestion, or piece of evidence related to a particular topic or subject. Ludwig's examples show the phrase's use in various contexts, supporting its role in providing contextual information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clue about" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a hint, suggestion, or piece of evidence related to a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While it is suitable for neutral registers, avoid using it when definitive information is available. Consider alternatives like "hint regarding" or "indication concerning" for increased formality. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint regarding

Changes the focus from a general "clue" to a more specific "hint", also using "regarding" instead of "about" to adjust formality.

indication concerning

Replaces "clue" with "indication" and "about" with "concerning", offering a more formal tone.

sign pertaining to

Substitutes "clue" with "sign" and "about" with "pertaining to", increasing the level of formality and specificity.

insight into

Emphasizes understanding rather than a simple clue, using "into" instead of "about".

evidence regarding

Focuses on concrete proof rather than a hint, using "regarding" for a slightly more formal feel.

inkling concerning

Replaces "clue" with a weaker form of knowledge, "inkling", and uses "concerning" instead of "about".

notion pertaining to

Suggests a vague idea, replacing "clue" with "notion" and using "pertaining to" for formality.

understanding of

Indicates a complete grasp rather than a hint, using "of" instead of "about".

information on

Focuses on factual data rather than a hint, using "on" instead of "about".

awareness of

Implies a conscious knowledge, shifting from a subtle hint to a recognized fact, using "of" instead of "about".

FAQs

How can I use "clue about" in a sentence?

You can use "clue about" to indicate that someone has some, but not complete, information regarding a topic. For example, "He gave me a "clue about" the surprise party."

What are some alternatives to using "clue about"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hint regarding", "indication concerning", or "sign pertaining to".

Is it correct to say "I have a clue of" instead of "I have a clue about"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "clue" in this context is "about". "I have a clue of" is grammatically incorrect. Use "I have a "clue about"" instead.

What's the difference between "clue about" and "information on"?

"Clue about" suggests a piece of information that helps solve a mystery or understand something partially. "Information on", conversely, refers to more comprehensive or factual data on a subject. "Information on" provides broad knowledge, while "clue about" provides a hint.