he hints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he hints" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is suggesting something indirectly or subtly. Example: "During the meeting, he hints at the possibility of a promotion for his team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In public, he hints at legislation.

The Economist

That may include a change of scene professionally, he hints.

The Guardian

But he hints he might be open to a deal.

The Economist

Either way, he hints at pure animal passion.

The New Yorker

He hints at responsibility, but can't actually articulate it.

The Guardian - Books

Nevertheless, the project is just a start, he hints broadly.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He hinted at something more sinister.

The New York Times - Magazine

Russia, he hinted, might share responsibility.

The Economist

But he hinted that it might.

The New York Times

And he hinted at sabotage.

The New York Times

When the coaching stunk, he hinted so.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he hints" when you want to convey that a person is communicating something indirectly or subtly, rather than making a direct statement.

Common error

Avoid using "he hints" excessively. Sometimes, using more direct verbs like "he says", "he suggests", or "he states" can make your writing clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he hints" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by a subject. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use to express that someone is suggesting something indirectly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he hints" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone is communicating something indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media where nuanced reporting is essential. While alternatives like "he suggests" or "he implies" exist, "he hints" specifically highlights the subtlety of the communication. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the indirect nature of the statement and consider whether a more direct verb might improve clarity. Overall, "he hints" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey information with precision and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he drops a hint

Very similar, but emphasizes a deliberate action of leaving a clue.

he suggests

Directly states a proposition, losing the nuance of indirectness.

he implies

Similar to "he hints", but can sometimes suggest a stronger level of insinuation.

he alludes to

More formal and literary; suggests a reference to something without explicitly mentioning it.

he intimates

A more subtle and delicate way of implying something.

he indicates

Focuses on providing a sign or signal, which may not necessarily be verbal.

he insinuates

Often carries a negative connotation, implying something unpleasant or dubious.

he signals

Focuses on a non-verbal cue or action to convey a message.

he gives a clue

Highlights providing a piece of information that helps solve a puzzle.

he leaves a suggestion

Focuses on leaving a suggestion or piece of advice.

FAQs

What does "he hints" mean?

The phrase "he hints" indicates that someone is suggesting something indirectly, subtly, or allusively, rather than stating it explicitly. It implies a degree of implication or suggestion.

How to use "he hints" in a sentence?

You can use "he hints" when referring to someone who is implying something without directly stating it. For example, "During the discussion, "he hints" at the possibility of a merger."

What can I say instead of "he hints"?

You can use alternatives like "he suggests", "he implies", or "he alludes to" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "he hints" and "he states"?

"He hints" implies indirect communication, while "he states" indicates a direct and explicit declaration. Use "he states" when someone makes a clear and unambiguous statement.