gives us a hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives us a hint" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that someone or something is providing an indication or suggestion about something. For example: The professor's smile gives us a hint as to what the correct answer might be.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This gives us a hint to use parallel processing to further improve performance.

Journal of Big Data

Data from the FBI gives us a hint of why.

The Washington Post

While we're still waiting to learn what their diminutive size has to do with the story, they realize they are "Lost," and the capital L gives us a hint of what the real theme of the book might be.

The New York Times - Books

This gives us a hint of in vivo activity in an efficient and cost-effective assay.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Yes, Project Glass is nothing but vaporware right now, but it gives us a hint at the future of mobile.

TechCrunch

The area reserved for "Apple answers the FCC's questions" just seems out of place, and gives us a hint about how seriously they're taking this whole situation.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A collection of documents from 1967 found in the national archives give us a hint into just how seriously the government used to take UFO sightings.

Vice

Please give us a hint.

The New York Times

That may give us a hint.

The New Yorker

One worrisome encounter in Ohio gave us a hint about possible deficits in education.

The New Yorker

Can you give us a hint as to what's to come?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "gives us a hint" when you want to suggest that something provides a clue or indication, but avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to keep the writing engaging.

Common error

Be careful not to present something that "gives us a hint" as a definitive answer. The phrase implies a suggestion or clue, not a certainty. Overstating the hint can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives us a hint" functions as a verb phrase where "gives" is the verb and "us a hint" is the object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies providing an indication or suggestion. Examples from Ludwig showcase its role in offering insights or clues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gives us a hint" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to suggest that something is providing a clue or indication. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence across diverse sources such as science journals, news outlets, and business reports, signifying its adaptability. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's essential to avoid overstating hints as certainties, ensuring clarity and accuracy in communication. Consider alternatives such as "provides a clue" or "suggests an idea" to add variety to your writing. Ultimately, "gives us a hint" serves as a versatile tool for introducing subtle implications and encouraging deeper exploration of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides a clue

Focuses on the act of providing a clue rather than hinting.

suggests an idea

Emphasizes the suggestion aspect instead of a direct hint.

offers a suggestion

Similar to 'suggests an idea', but with a more explicit offering.

implies a solution

Highlights the implication of a solution rather than a general hint.

indicates a possibility

Focuses on the indication of a possibility.

points to a direction

Uses a directional metaphor to indicate guidance.

sheds light on

Emphasizes the act of illuminating or clarifying something.

gives an inkling

Uses the word 'inkling' to denote a vague idea or suspicion.

offers insight into

Highlights the provision of a deeper understanding.

provides a glimpse of

Focuses on a brief or partial view of something.

FAQs

How can I use "gives us a hint" in a sentence?

You can use "gives us a hint" to suggest that something provides a clue or indication about a particular situation. For example, "The data "gives us a hint" about the potential impact of the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "gives us a hint"?

Alternatives to "gives us a hint" include phrases like "provides a clue", "suggests an idea", or "implies a solution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gives us a hint"?

Yes, "gives us a hint" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for verb conjugation and object agreement.

What's the difference between "gives us a hint" and "provides a clue"?

"Gives us a hint" and "provides a clue" are very similar. However, "gives us a hint" can imply a more subtle or less direct indication than "provides a clue".