hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hint" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when offering an implicit suggestion or a clue to help someone solve a problem, remember something, or make a decision. Example sentence: "My teacher gave us a few hints about the upcoming test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Music

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Band member Bill Drummond said, with perhaps a hint of burner's remorse: It seemed the most powerful thing to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Paul also gave a hint of the liberatarian politics likely to feature in his run for presidential office in 2016, attacking government telephone surveillance and praising Cucinelli for his defence of free speech, privacy and gun rights.

The Guardian

There is nothing wrong with a hint of glamour in this dull and increasingly prudish world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was how Donatella Versace, with a hint of a wink, described her Atelier Versace couture collection, shown on Sunday in Paris.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There was an early hint of the frustration ahead for United when, in the 35th minute, a low drive from Darron Gibson went narrowly wide.

The Guardian - Sport

At one point he ordered the crowd to "put your fucking phones down for five seconds", which may hint at his frustration with the current live music scene.

The Guardian - Music

"I'm going back to the Sunday show in September and will see how it goes," he says, with only a hint of nervousness about the risks involved.

The Guardian

Deep down she must have a soul, or a hint of humanity, but there is something uniquely unknowable about her.

The Guardian

The book also includes the illustration of a lone wolf with an unhinged look and a hint of slaver round its chops, most likely based on the sole wolf specimen that he held in his collection.

The Guardian

A woman a couple of doors away, who declined to give her name, said there was never any hint that something might be wrong.

The Guardian

Hillary Clinton is only a few pages into her new memoir, Hard Choices, when she throws out a hint that she, as a woman running for the White House, would run differently than a man.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hint" in writing, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the implied meaning, without making the hint too obscure.

Common error

Avoid using "hint" excessively in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on indirect suggestions can make your writing seem vague or lacking in confidence. Opt for more direct and explicit language when clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The word "hint" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a subtle indication or clue. As a verb, it signifies the act of suggesting something indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Music

8%

Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hint" functions as both a noun and a verb, offering a subtle way to provide information or clues. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "hint" is versatile enough for both formal and informal settings. While "hint" is useful for indirect communication, be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, where directness is often preferred. Alternatives like "suggestion" or "clue" can add nuance to your writing. Overall, "hint" is a valuable word for subtle communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestion

A direct synonym, implying a piece of information offered subtly.

clue

Refers specifically to a piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.

intimation

Implies a subtle and indirect communication of something.

indication

A sign or piece of information that points to something.

allusion

An indirect reference, often literary or historical.

insinuation

Suggests something negative or unpleasant in an indirect way.

trace

A very small amount or sign of something.

tip-off

Informal term for a secret warning or piece of information.

inkling

A vague idea or suspicion.

subtle cue

Emphasizes the understated nature of the suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "hint" in a sentence?

You can use "hint" as a noun to mean a clue or suggestion, as in "The detective found a crucial hint at the crime scene". As a verb, it means to suggest indirectly, as in "She hinted at a surprise party, but I pretended not to notice".

What are some synonyms for "hint"?

Alternatives to "hint" include "suggestion", "clue", "intimation", "indication", and "allusion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "hint" and an "insinuation"?

While both "hint" and "insinuation" involve indirect communication, "hint" is generally neutral or helpful, offering a clue or suggestion. "Insinuation", however, typically implies something negative or unpleasant, often with a malicious intent.

When is it appropriate to use "hint" instead of stating something directly?

Using "hint" is appropriate when you want to be polite, avoid confrontation, or allow someone to discover information on their own. It's also useful when you don't have all the information or aren't certain about something.