even a hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even a hint of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the slightest suggestion or indication of something, often in a negative context. Example: "There wasn't even a hint of doubt in her voice as she spoke confidently about her decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not even a hint of a frost.

Independent

There's even a hint of punk.

Independent

Maybe even a hint of political commentary?

The New York Times

Not even a hint of defiance.

The Guardian

There was even a hint of disdain.

The Guardian - Sport

Lancaster did not betray even a hint of concern.

Independent

There was not even a hint of it, she said.

The New York Times

They convey unabashed sensuality, even a hint of sexuality.

The New York Times

Even a hint of reluctance is taken as betrayal.

The Washington Post

But they can't show even a hint of partisan bias.

The Washington Post

Apparently, even a hint of harshness is frowned upon.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even a hint of" to emphasize the absence or minimal presence of something, especially when the expectation might be that it should be present. This adds a layer of surprise or negation to your statement.

Common error

While versatile, "even a hint of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "any sign of" or "even a little" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even a hint of" functions as an intensifier preceding a noun, emphasizing the minimal presence or complete absence of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "even a hint of" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize the minimal presence or complete absence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed in news and media, conveying a sense of surprise or negation. While its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. When writing, use "even a hint of" to underscore the lack of something, but be mindful of the audience and choose alternatives when a more relaxed tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the slightest suggestion of

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the suggestion, focusing on its subtlety.

the faintest sign of

Emphasizes the weak or barely perceptible nature of the sign.

a trace of

Indicates an extremely small amount or sign of something.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or fleeting indication of something, often positive.

a shadow of

Implies a vague or insubstantial presence of something.

a suspicion of

Highlights a feeling or belief based on minimal evidence.

a touch of

Indicates a small degree or element of something added or present.

an iota of

Refers to an extremely small quantity or degree.

a whiff of

Suggests a brief or হালকা suggestion of something.

a shade of

Indicates a slight variation or degree of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "even a hint of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "the slightest indication of", "any semblance of", or "the merest trace of" instead of "even a hint of".

What does "even a hint of" imply about the presence of something?

The phrase "even a hint of" implies that something is barely present or virtually nonexistent. It emphasizes the lack of a more substantial presence.

Is it correct to use "even a hint of" in positive contexts?

Yes, it's grammatically correct but less common. The phrase is mostly used in negative contexts, but it can be used in positive contexts to emphasize the presence of a minimal amount. For example: "There was "a glimmer of" hope, even a hint of a chance, that they might succeed".

What are some common words that follow "even a hint of"?

Common words following "even a hint of" include nouns like "doubt", "concern", "hesitation", "resistance", "evidence", and "emotion".