find a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

"find a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to deduce the answer to a question or problem, for example: "I'm trying to figure out who stole my bike, so I'm looking for clues to help me find out who did it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

If you look at the messages in the main pd window, you might find a clue.

Stanford University

"Tea Party Rocks" couldn't find a clue if it was hanging around his neck.

University of California, Berkeley

Fans can also find a clue about the location through Infiniti's Facebook page or Twitter handle.

The New York Times

Number one, we could find a clue that there's a cancer but never find the cancer.

The Washington Post

Through every single thread of needlework I searched, hoping to find a clue".

The New York Times

Trying to find a clue, trying to find a way to get out, Ian Curtis sings on Interzone.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But I've found a clue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Have we found a clue to treating ALS before it spreads?

Columbia University

Now researchers at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute think they have found a clue.

The New York Times - Science

Dory finds a clue in a video of the ice-bucket challenge.

The New Yorker

Here I found a clue to the source of my irritation with "This American Life".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing mysteries or narratives, use "find a clue" to propel the plot forward, indicating a character's progress in solving a puzzle or uncovering a secret.

Common error

Avoid using "find a clue" for trivially obvious discoveries. Reserve it for situations where the discovery contributes significantly to understanding a complex situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a clue" functions as a verb phrase, where "find" is the verb indicating the action of discovering, and "clue" is the noun representing the object of that action. Ludwig examples show the phrase used in various contexts, from solving mysteries to scientific investigations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find a clue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the discovery of information aiding in problem-solving or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to casual narratives. While predominantly featured in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, reserve its use for meaningful discoveries and consider alternatives like "uncover evidence" for added formality. Its essence lies in propelling narratives forward, making it a valuable tool for writers and investigators alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discover a lead

Substitutes "find" with "discover" and "clue" with "lead", emphasizing the potential to advance an investigation.

identify an indicator

Substitutes "find" with "identify" and "clue" with "indicator", emphasizing recognition and understanding.

unearth an indication

Replaces "find" with "unearth" and "clue" with "indication", suggesting a more thorough or investigative discovery.

detect a sign

Uses "detect" instead of "find" and "sign" instead of "clue", implying a more subtle or observational discovery.

uncover a trace

Uses "uncover" instead of "find" and "trace" instead of "clue", implying the revelation of something previously hidden.

notice an indication

Replaces "find" with "notice" and "clue" with "indication", implying observation rather than active seeking.

recognize a sign

Replaces "find" with "recognize" and "clue" with "sign", implying an acknowledgment of something known or expected.

stumble upon a hint

Suggests an accidental discovery, replacing "find" with "stumble upon" and "clue" with "hint".

observe a signal

Uses "observe" instead of "find" and "signal" instead of "clue", suggesting a careful watching or monitoring.

spot a hint

Replaces "find" with "spot" and "clue" with "hint", implying a quick or casual discovery.

FAQs

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

You can use "find a clue" in sentences such as, "The detective hoped to find a clue at the crime scene" or "Researchers are trying to find a clue to the cause of the disease".

What's a more formal way to say "find a clue"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "uncover evidence" or "identify an indicator" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to say "find a clue" or "discover a clue"?

Both "find a clue" and "discover a clue" are correct. "Discover" may imply a more significant or unexpected finding than "find".

What is the difference between "find a clue" and "look for a clue"?

"Find a clue" suggests the successful discovery of a clue, whereas "look for a clue" indicates the act of searching, regardless of whether a clue is found.