hint at

USAGE SUMMARY

"hint at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to imply that something is happening or being suggested without providing explicit details. For example, "His comments seemed to hint at his desire to leave the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two recent announcements hint at an answer.

The Economist

Several moments hint at something fresher.

The New York Times - Arts

It does hint at heated female flesh".

The New York Times

Informal observations hint at possible explanations.

The New York Times

But they hint at a paradox.

The Economist

Or do they hint at something worse?

Independent

Rattlings of percussion hint at tribal ritual.

The New Yorker

JT: They hint at it.

The Guardian - Books

There's been no hint at prices yet.

Independent

Voices can also hint at urgency.

The New York Times

They hint at a slow, gloomy inundation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint at" when you want to suggest something indirectly without explicitly stating it. This can add subtlety and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "hint at" in formal or academic writing where clarity and directness are paramount. Opt for more explicit language to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint at" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an indirect suggestion or implication. As Ludwig's AI explains, it suggests something is happening or being suggested without providing explicit details. It is commonly used to introduce subtlety into communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint at" is a versatile phrasal verb used to suggest or imply something indirectly. It’s grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, scientific writing, and wiki content. While it adds nuance and subtlety, it’s important to avoid overuse in formal contexts where clarity is key. Alternatives like "imply" or "suggest" may be more appropriate in some instances. As Ludwig's AI accurately points out, it’s used to suggest something without providing explicit details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply

This term suggests a more subtle and indirect way of conveying information than "hint at".

suggest

Similar to "hint at", but can also mean to propose an idea for consideration.

intimate

Indicates a delicate and private way of hinting, often about sensitive topics.

allude to

Refers to mentioning something indirectly or casually.

insinuate

Implies something negative or unpleasant in an indirect way.

give a clue

Focuses on providing a piece of information that helps reveal something.

drop a hint

Similar to "hint at", but emphasizes the act of providing a clue.

leave an impression

Indicates that something leaves a subtle mark or influence.

point towards

Suggests that something indicates a particular direction or outcome.

signal

Indicates an intention or possibility, often through non-verbal cues.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint at" to suggest something indirectly, like: "The evidence seems to "hint at" a conspiracy" or "His comments "hint at" a change in policy".

What are some alternatives to "hint at"?

Alternatives to "hint at" include "imply", "suggest", "allude to", or "insinuate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "hint at" something or state it directly?

Whether to "hint at" something or state it directly depends on the context. Hinting can add intrigue or politeness, while directness ensures clarity and avoids misunderstanding.

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

"Hint at" suggests something indirectly, while "imply" means to suggest something without explicitly stating it. The speaker implies, and the listener infers.