hint of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that there is a small amount of truth in a statement or situation, often implying that the truth is not fully revealed or acknowledged. Example: "While his story seemed exaggerated, there was a hint of truth in his claims that made me reconsider my initial judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Which had a hint of truth to it.

The New York Times

There is a hint of truth in that.

The Economist

Is there a hint of truth in every stereotype?

The Washington Post

There is, however, a hint of truth to the claim.

The Guardian

As many neuroscientists were aware, though, the plot also contained more than a hint of truth.

The New Yorker

Some of the stereotypes are inflated from a hint of truth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Life is a hideous thing," he writes in one story, "and from the background behind what we know of it peer daemonical hints of truth which make it sometimes a thousandfold more hideous … Its reserve of unguessed horrors could never be borne by mortal brains".

The Guardian - Books

British newspaper obituaries are a rich seam: nobody likes to speak ill of the dead, yet many enjoy a hint of the truth about the person who has "passed away".

The Economist

What if, behind their absurdly confident New Ageisms, lurked more than a hint of scientifically substantiated truth?

The Washington Post

With some fruit juice and a dash of brandy, he has created something that makes it possible for you to have three or four of them and just feel the pleasantest hint of relaxation". In truth, they were stronger than the strongest and driest stinger). "Our lunch always began with a festive air but usually ended back at the hotel in an atmosphere of heartbreak or horrifying recrimination.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the midpoint, however, King declared abruptly, "I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers". This was a decorous hint of the furious truth-telling ahead.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of truth" to acknowledge a partial truth in a situation where a full or complete truth is not available or immediately apparent. It adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of truth" when there is substantial evidence pointing to a clear and undeniable truth. The phrase is most effective when conveying subtlety and uncertainty, rather than obvious facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of truth" functions as a qualifier, suggesting that a statement or situation contains a small degree of accuracy or validity. Ludwig AI's examples show it typically modifies nouns or clauses, adding a nuance of partial truth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of truth" is a versatile expression used to indicate the presence of a small amount of truth within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. While alternatives such as "trace of truth" and "whiff of truth" offer subtle variations in meaning, "hint of truth" effectively conveys the idea of a partial or incomplete truth. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid overstating its significance and to apply it appropriately in situations where uncertainty or nuance is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of truth

Emphasizes the small and subtle nature of the truth.

whiff of truth

Suggests a fleeting or barely perceptible indication of truth.

element of truth

Focuses on a specific component or aspect of truth being present.

grain of truth

Highlights the small and potentially valuable nature of the truth.

semblance of truth

Indicates an outward appearance that resembles truth, but may not be entirely genuine.

kernel of truth

Suggests that at the core of something, there is a basic truth.

suggestion of truth

Implies that something points towards the truth without explicitly stating it.

inkling of truth

Describes a vague or uncertain awareness of the truth.

shadow of truth

Indicates a faint or incomplete representation of the truth.

suspicion of truth

Suggests a feeling that something might be true, even without concrete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint of truth" to suggest that something is partially true, even if it seems exaggerated or unlikely. For example, "While his story seemed far-fetched, there was a "hint of truth" in his claims."

What are some alternatives to "hint of truth"?

Some alternatives to "hint of truth" include "trace of truth", "whiff of truth", or "element of truth". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hint of truth" in formal writing?

Yes, "hint of truth" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI reports, it is used in academic, news, and media contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "hint of truth" and "the whole truth"?

"Hint of truth" implies that only a small part of the truth is known or revealed, whereas "the whole truth" suggests that all relevant facts are presented. They are contrasting concepts. You can use alternatives like "the entire truth".