hint at doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint at doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting or implying that someone should consider taking a specific action or course of action. Example: "The article seems to hint at doing more research before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Gehl went even further in an interview, hinting at doing a deal in Europe.

The New York Times

Indeed it is already hinting at doing so.Some Iranian officials, who think Saudi Arabia has refused to cut its oil production in an attempt to weaken Iran, talk about making mischief there by stirring up the oppressed Shia minority in the east.

The Economist

It had previously hinted at doing so once the jobless rate fell to 6.5%.

BBC

I think that the change in the racial atmosphere in life that you seem to be hinting at didn't come until a lot later.

Huffington Post

If this rumor is true, it could possibly hint at Google doing something in Android with hybrid apps, those that take advantage of web components (HTML5/JS/CSS).

TechCrunch

If this rumor is true, it could possibly hint at Google doing something in Android with hybrid apps, those that take advantage of web components (HTML5/JS/CSS).

TechCrunch

Does your conversation hint at this? Do you hear unspoken words that address the absence of trust?

Forbes

Mr. Stewart could have given a different sort of answer, one he hinted at but did not embrace.

The New York Times

"The announcement does not even hint at what BlackBerry does next".

The Guardian - Tech

Nixon hints at, but does not dwell on, the grimly exploitative relationship between the colonisers and "geishas", who were effectively child prostitutes.

The Guardian

The canny recognition that in order to reshape the political community we must start by remolding our ties to the tangible world around us hints at, but does not explain, the depth of our entanglement with material culture.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint at doing" when you want to subtly suggest an action without being direct. This is particularly useful in persuasive writing or negotiations where a soft approach is preferred.

Common error

While "hint at doing" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing seem evasive. In formal or academic writing, consider more direct language unless subtlety is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint at doing" functions as a verb phrase suggesting an indirect or subtle indication of a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hint at doing" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to subtly suggest a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Although examples are currently limited, the phrase's neutral tone and suitability for various contexts make it a versatile option for persuasive writing and subtle communication. Consider alternatives like "suggest doing" or "imply undertaking" depending on the desired level of directness. Using "hint at doing" carefully ensures that your suggestions are communicated effectively without being overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop a hint about undertaking

Highlights the act of providing a subtle clue regarding an action.

suggest carrying out

Replaces 'hint' with 'suggest', emphasizing the recommendation.

imply undertaking

Focuses on the implication of starting something.

allude to performing

Uses 'allude' for a more subtle suggestion.

suggest the possibility of engaging in

Emphasizes the potential or likelihood of getting involved in something.

intimate engaging in

Uses 'intimate' to suggest a private or subtle suggestion.

imply the likelihood of carrying out

Focuses on the implied probability of performing an action.

insinuate starting

Conveys a more subtle and indirect suggestion of beginning an action.

signal intention of undertaking

Focuses on signaling intent rather than a direct suggestion.

give an inkling of performing

Suggests a slight or vague indication of doing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint at doing" to subtly suggest an action. For example, "The data seems to "hint at doing" more research before drawing conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "hint at doing"?

Alternatives include "suggest doing", "imply undertaking", or "allude to performing", depending on the level of subtlety you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hint at doing"?

Yes, "hint at doing" is grammatically correct. The verb "hint" requires the preposition "at" when followed by a gerund.

What's the difference between "hint at doing" and "suggest doing"?

"Hint at doing" implies a more subtle and indirect suggestion, while "suggest doing" is more direct. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of subtlety.