hint of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which someone is displaying fear or apprehension, such as: "The stranger's tight-lipped expression and wide eyes hinted at a fear of something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

No hint of fear or failure.

The Washington Post

He showed no hint of fear.

The New Yorker

He rode with cool confidence and no hint of fear.

The New York Times - Sports

"These cops are going to kill me," Mr. Thornton said, betraying the first hint of fear.

The New York Times

Showing one hint of fear as a warrior is strictly prohibited.

The Guardian - Travel

On the Tour stop at Indian Wells, this week, the players have shown respect but not a hint of fear.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Her face, so powerful in its impassivity, yet with unreadable hints of fear and anger, has something massive and monumental about it up on screen, the sculpted form of a Roman empress: like the gigantic marble head of Faustina the Elder, famously unearthed with the colossal statue of Hadrian in Turkey last year.

The Guardian - Film

The patient smiled, and his movements seemed confident, but in his eyes, there was a hint of concern, maybe even fear.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a nervous energy here, and even a hint of primal fear.

The New York Times

There's only a hint of the fear of exposure and persecution of the age of McCarthyism, which emerges quickly in the dropping of the phrase "naming names".

The New Yorker

"Rosamunde Pilcher?" The guy behind the bar gives me a blank look with a hint of social fear: should he know the name?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of fear" to subtly indicate a character's apprehension or anxiety, rather than stating outright that they are afraid. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of fear" excessively in character dialogue. It's more effective in narration to describe a character's internal state or subtle expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of fear" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a subtle indication of fear. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of fear" is a versatile tool for writers seeking to add subtlety and depth to their descriptions of characters and situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "trace of fear" or "suggestion of fear" offer similar meanings, "hint of fear" strikes a balance between understatement and clear communication. To avoid overuse, focus on employing it strategically in narration rather than excessive dialogue. When appropriately used, the phrase effectively communicates the subtle presence of fear, enhancing the emotional impact of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of fear

Indicates a minimal presence of fear, similar to a "hint", but focuses on the remaining evidence of fear.

suggestion of fear

Implies that the fear is not directly stated but can be inferred, focusing on indirect communication.

tinge of fear

Emphasizes the coloring or slight alteration of a feeling due to fear, adding an emotional dimension.

shade of fear

Like a tinge, it denotes a slight degree or variation of fear, adding nuance to the expression.

whisper of fear

Highlights the quiet and subtle nature of the fear, suggesting it's barely noticeable.

element of fear

Indicates that fear is a component within a larger context of emotions or circumstances, focusing on composition.

glimmer of fear

Suggests a fleeting and momentary appearance of fear, emphasizing its transience.

suspicion of fear

Focuses on an observer's perception that fear might be present, without certainty.

indication of fear

Draws attention to the signs or signals that suggest fear is present, more formal.

sense of fear

Emphasizes the intuitive feeling or perception of fear being present, focusing on intuition.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint of fear" to describe a subtle manifestation of fear. For example, "Despite his brave words, there was a "hint of fear" in his eyes".

What are some alternatives to "hint of fear"?

Some alternatives include "trace of fear", "suggestion of fear", or "tinge of fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hint of fear" or "sign of fear"?

"Hint of fear" suggests a subtle, almost imperceptible indication of fear, while "sign of fear" implies a more noticeable manifestation. The best choice depends on the context and the degree of fear you want to convey.

What does "hint of fear" imply about the character experiencing it?

A "hint of fear" suggests that the character is trying to conceal their fear or that the fear is not overwhelming. It can also indicate a moment of vulnerability or a crack in their facade.