hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

"hint of" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a slight or small trace of something. Example sentence: She could detect a hint of sadness in his eyes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A hint of flexibility.

The Economist

Without a hint of irony.

The New York Times

A hint of louche.

The New York Times - Magazine

A hint of horseradish?

The New York Times

Hint of black pepper.

The New York Times - Food

Not a hint of diva about it.

The New York Times

There is no hint of malice.

The Guardian

— Walt flashes a menacing hint of Heisenberg.

The New Yorker

He gave a hint of smile.

The New York Times

He gave no hint of surrender.

The New York Times

Not even a hint of a frost.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of" to add subtlety and nuance to your descriptions, making them more engaging and evocative.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your descriptions sound repetitive and lack impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "touch of" or "trace of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a slight or subtle presence of a particular quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both grammatically correct and commonly observed in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating a slight or subtle presence of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and general writing. While highly versatile, consider varying your language with synonyms like "touch of" or "trace of" to maintain engagement. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability and neutral register, making it a valuable tool for adding nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of

Implies a delicate or subtle presence, similar to "hint of" but sometimes suggesting more deliberate application.

trace of

Suggests a minimal amount or barely detectable presence.

suggestion of

Focuses on the idea that something is implied rather than overtly stated or present.

shade of

Often used when describing colors or opinions, implying a slight variation.

tinge of

Similar to "shade of", but can also apply to emotions or qualities.

whisper of

Emphasizes the subtlety and near imperceptibility of something.

glimmer of

Implies a brief or faint appearance of something, often positive.

undertone of

Suggests a subtle underlying quality or meaning.

nuance of

Highlights a subtle difference or distinction.

element of

Indicates that something is a component, though potentially small, of a larger whole.

FAQs

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

The phrase "hint of" is typically used to describe a slight or subtle presence of something. For example, "The soup had a "hint of" spice" or "I detected a "hint of" sarcasm in his voice."

What are some synonyms for "hint of"?

Alternatives to "hint of" include "touch of", "trace of", "suggestion of", and "tinge of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "hint of" or should I use another phrase?

"Hint of" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase in English. Its suitability depends on the nuance you wish to convey. If you need to emphasize a stronger presence, other phrases might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "hint of" and "suggestion of"?

While both phrases imply something is not directly stated or obvious, "hint of" often refers to a tangible quality or flavor, whereas "suggestion of" implies a more abstract idea or implication.