hint of combativeness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of combativeness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication of a confrontational or aggressive attitude in someone's behavior or speech. Example: "During the meeting, there was a hint of combativeness in her tone when discussing the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that hint of combativeness is misleading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ferguson has made a career out of combativeness.

The Guardian - Books

It had an air of combativeness to it the entire three years.

Harvard University

It was a classic display of combativeness from one of Trump's most controversial appointees.

The Washington Post

Mr. Ryan still has high-profile moments of combativeness and takes on fights that Mr. Romney does not.

The New York Times

In one of his rare moments of combativeness, Moran dreams of medication instead being offered to "the insufferably bumptious".

The Guardian - Books

Mao's nationalism combined with a personal trait of combativeness to make him admire the martial spirit, which became a cornerstone of Maoism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A hint of flexibility.

The Economist

Without a hint of irony.

The New York Times

Not a hint of diva about it.

The New York Times

There is no hint of malice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of combativeness" when you want to subtly suggest an underlying confrontational attitude without explicitly stating it. This adds nuance and avoids being overly direct.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of combativeness" excessively in formal or professional writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or less impactful. Opt for stronger, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of combativeness" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a subtle quality or characteristic, suggesting an underlying but not fully expressed confrontational attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of combativeness" serves as a subtle descriptor, suggesting an underlying confrontational attitude without being overtly direct. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage is relatively rare, appearing most frequently in News & Media, followed by Academia and Encyclopedias. When aiming for nuance, "hint of combativeness" is a solid option, but writers should consider stronger alternatives like "touch of aggression" or "trace of hostility" depending on the desired impact and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of aggression

Replaces "hint" with "touch", emphasizing a slightly more noticeable presence of aggression.

trace of hostility

Substitutes "hint of combativeness" with a "trace of hostility", focusing on the underlying animosity.

suggestion of antagonism

Replaces "hint" with "suggestion" and "combativeness" with "antagonism", indicating a more explicit opposition.

shade of aggressiveness

Uses "shade" instead of "hint", suggesting a subtle nuance of aggressiveness.

undertone of conflict

Emphasizes the underlying nature of the conflict, shifting focus from individual behavior to the situation.

air of defiance

Focuses on the defiant attitude present, rather than direct combativeness.

whiff of belligerence

Uses "whiff" to suggest a brief or faint indication of belligerent behavior.

tinge of militancy

Highlights a slight presence of militant behavior or attitude.

element of contentiousness

Emphasizes the contentious nature of the situation or interaction.

implication of confrontation

Shifts focus to the implied or potential confrontation, rather than direct combativeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint of combativeness" to describe a subtle indication of a confrontational attitude. For example, "During the negotiation, there was a "hint of combativeness" in his tone."

What are some alternatives to "hint of combativeness"?

Some alternatives include "touch of aggression", "trace of hostility", or "suggestion of antagonism" depending on the context.

Is "hint of combativeness" formal or informal?

"Hint of combativeness" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in news reporting or academic analyses, but might be too subtle for direct business communications.

What does "hint of combativeness" imply?

It implies a subtle or underlying confrontational attitude or behavior that is not immediately obvious or overt. It suggests there is a potential for conflict or disagreement.