hint at that

USAGE SUMMARY

"hint at that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to indirectly suggest or allude to something. Example: "The speaker's words seemed to hint at that dark secret in her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Set in the 1950's, this novel can only hint at that.

The New York Times - Books

"I wanted to hint at that dark side.

The New York Times

Nasa administrator Charles Bolden seemed to hint at that in his statement of tribute.

The Guardian

Mr. Bloomberg seemed to hint at that in his remarks to reporters Thursday.

The New York Times

Does the brilliance of a finished Bourgeois piece hint at that castaway wash basin, with its antiquated junk-shop faucets?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Particularly in Whitechapel, there'd be all kinds of opportunities in the streetscape to hint at that diversity," says Harris.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Salmond's own aides are already hinting at that.

The Guardian

(The show's title, which refers to the death of the sun, hints at that context).

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Bush hinted at that shift in emphasis at an Iowa campaign rally on Tuesday.

The New York Times

An American Embassy spokeswoman, Mirembe Nantongo, hinted at that in a conference call on Thursday.

The New York Times

Ms. Rousseff hinted at that long-simmering snub in her speech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint at that" when you want to subtly suggest something without stating it directly, allowing the audience to infer the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "hint at that" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as less direct and authoritative. Consider using more explicit language for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint at that" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate an indirect suggestion or allusion to something. According to Ludwig, it is correct and commonly used in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint at that" is a commonly used phrase that serves to indirectly suggest or allude to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in written English. Analysis reveals its usage across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to use it judiciously in formal writing where clarity and directness are paramount. Alternatives like "imply that" or "suggest that" can provide similar meaning, with subtle differences in nuance. By understanding its communicative purpose and register, writers can effectively use "hint at that" to add depth and subtlety to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imply that

Focuses more on the subtle conveying of a meaning without explicitly stating it.

suggest that

Indicates a more direct, though still indirect, presentation of an idea.

intimate that

Implies a delicate or subtle way of hinting, often about sensitive topics.

allude to that

Highlights the act of making an indirect reference.

insinuate that

Suggests conveying a negative or unpleasant idea in an indirect way.

give a clue about that

Emphasizes providing a piece of information that helps reveal something.

drop a hint about that

Focuses on a casual or unintentional revelation.

signal that

Indicates a clear but non-verbal communication of information.

point towards that

Suggests that evidence or circumstances are directing attention to something.

intimation of that

Refers to a subtle communication or indirect suggestion, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint at that" to subtly suggest something without directly stating it. For example, "His comments seemed to "hint at that" possibility."

What are some alternatives to "hint at that"?

Alternatives include "imply that", "suggest that", or "allude to that", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "hint at that" and "imply that"?

"Hint at that" suggests a more indirect and subtle suggestion, while "imply that" can indicate a more deliberate conveying of a meaning without stating it explicitly.

When is it appropriate to use "hint at that" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "hint at that" when you want to subtly introduce an idea or possibility, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. However, avoid overuse in situations where clarity is paramount.