hint about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest or imply something indirectly regarding a particular topic or subject. Example: "She decided to hint about her upcoming promotion during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MW: What's coming next from you? Anything you can share or maybe give us hint about?

Huffington Post

He gave no hint about the alternatives.

The New York Times

That's a big hint about his restiveness.

The Guardian

Because pi is a hint about measuring them.

The New York Times - Books

So I'll give you a hint about what's coming in the course itself.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The hint about timing was a sort of dog that did not bark.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Books give you a hint about the personality of the people who live there.

The New York Times

James L. Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman, has given no hint about his intentions.

The New York Times

Has Judge Rakoff given any hint about which way he is leaning?

The New York Times

Flower dropped a hint about the way he might be thinking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hint about", ensure the context provides enough background for the hint to be understood. Avoid being too obscure, as this can lead to confusion.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, overuse of "hint about" can make your writing seem less direct. Consider using more explicit language or stronger verbs to convey your meaning with greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint about" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that frequently acts as a verbal complement. It connects a verb (often suggesting or implying) with a subject, subtly introducing a piece of information or suggestion. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint about" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indirectly suggest information or provide a clue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English writing. It's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral register that fits various writing styles. When using "hint about", ensure the context allows the hint to be understood and avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more direct language when appropriate. Related phrases such as "clue regarding" or "suggestion concerning" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clue regarding

Replaces "hint" with "clue" and "about" with "regarding", slightly changing the tone to be more investigative.

suggestion concerning

Uses "suggestion" instead of "hint" and "concerning" in place of "about", offering a more formal alternative.

indication of

Replaces "hint" with "indication" and "about" with "of", emphasizing a sign or signal.

allusion to

Substitutes "hint" with "allusion" and "about" with "to", suggesting a more subtle and indirect reference.

inkling of

Uses "inkling" instead of "hint" and "of" for "about", implying a vague idea or suspicion.

suggestion for

Swaps "hint" with "suggestion" and "about" with "for", focusing on providing advice or a plan.

tip concerning

Replaces "hint" with "tip" and "about" with "concerning", suggesting practical advice.

intimation regarding

Substitutes "hint" with "intimation" and "about" with "regarding", adding a formal and subtle nuance.

sign regarding

Uses "sign" instead of "hint" and "regarding" for "about", emphasizing a visual or indicative cue.

whiff of

Replaces "hint" with "whiff" and "about" with "of", giving the idea of a slight indication.

FAQs

How can I use "hint about" in a sentence?

You can use "hint about" to indirectly suggest something. For example, "She decided to "hint about" her promotion during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "hint about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "clue regarding", "suggestion concerning", or "indication of", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "hint about"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "hint about" is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "hint about" and "imply"?

"Hint about" suggests a more indirect and subtle suggestion, whereas "imply" /s/imply can refer to a more direct but unspoken suggestion. The choice depends on the desired level of subtlety.