faint suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faint suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or weak indication of something, often in a context where the suggestion is not strong or direct. Example: "Her tone carried a faint suggestion of disapproval, though she didn't say it outright."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There is also a very faint suggestion that it may slow the progress of prostate cancer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was only a faint suggestion of sweet corn in fritters that nominally featured it.

The New York Times - Arts

What he has lost is his Hapsburg suzerainty, with its patriarchal aura and faint suggestion of an eternal order.

The New York Times - Books

Anderson's reference to people who "prefer to buy their music online" carries the faint suggestion that refraining from theft should be considered a mere preference.

The New Yorker

Even the name of this organisation delights me, with its faint suggestion that Belgian privacy may not be like other kinds.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, in his comments on Afghanistan, I thought I heard I faint suggestion that he thinks Cameron is in too much of a hurry to get out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"There are glimmerings, some faint suggestions, that the President has rediscovered China," one official remarked.

The New York Times

Here, in Mr. Torlen's depiction of a moonlighted, wintry wood, he plants faint suggestions of Chinese characters within the underbrush.

The New York Times

Similarly, it is easier for the nonfictional prose writer to weave into his style faint suggestions of irony, archaisms, alliterations, and even interventions of the author that might prove catastrophic to credibility in fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are faint suggestions of Hollywood in the wafting lines of corps women, manipulated so romantically by Charles Askegard on Wednesday, but Balanchine gives his lead dancers full technical challenges.

The New York Times

Adore features an attempt to staple Savages' noisy atmospherics to something approaching a lighters-out rock ballad – indeed, there are a few, very faint suggestions dotted about the album that Savages can see themselves taking a similar path from angularity to mass air-punch-inducement as U2.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faint suggestion", consider immediately providing context or clarification to avoid ambiguity. A subtle hint can easily be missed or misinterpreted if not properly supported.

Common error

Avoid using "faint suggestion" when there is strong evidence or a clear indication. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the evidence is minimal or speculative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faint suggestion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a subtle or weak indication, as supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faint suggestion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a subtle or weak hint. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English writing. It’s frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. To avoid misinterpretation, use this phrase when the evidence is minimal and consider providing context for clarity. Alternatives include "slight indication" and "subtle hint". This phrase serves to cautiously introduce an idea or possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight indication

Replaces 'faint' with 'slight', emphasizing a minor hint.

subtle hint

Uses 'subtle' to highlight the indirectness of the indication.

vague implication

Replaces 'suggestion' with 'implication', suggesting something hinted at but not explicitly stated.

tenuous connection

Focuses on the weak link or relationship being implied.

remote possibility

Highlights the low probability of something being true or occurring.

mere intimation

Uses 'intimation' to suggest a delicate or indirect communication.

shadow of a doubt

Indicates a minimal amount of uncertainty or suspicion.

hint of a chance

Emphasizes a slight opportunity or possibility.

whisper of a rumor

Suggests a very quiet and unconfirmed piece of information.

trace of evidence

Highlights the minimal and possibly unreliable nature of proof.

FAQs

How can I use "faint suggestion" in a sentence?

You can use "faint suggestion" to introduce a subtle hint or possibility, as in: "There was a "faint suggestion" of sarcasm in his voice."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "faint suggestion"?

Similar phrases include "slight indication", "subtle hint", or "vague implication", all of which indicate something is not directly stated but implied.

Is "faint suggestion" formal or informal?

"Faint suggestion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, books, and everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "faint suggestion" and "strong indication"?

"Faint suggestion" implies a weak or subtle hint, whereas "strong indication" means there is clear and compelling evidence or signal of something. The former is tentative, while the latter is more definitive.