hint of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight indication that something is not completely certain or definite. Example: "Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty as she presented her findings to the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"This may be the future," Lawrence Dutton, the quartet's violist, said with a hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Style

For the certainty that Mr. Powell had expressed, Mr. Tenet substituted a hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times

"I got it in control," he sings on "Love in the Sky," without a hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Arts

But if there was the slightest hint of uncertainty or discomfort in the rookie, I didn't see it.

The New York Times - Magazine

When queried about his feel for marketing and public relations, Lamoriello expressed only a slight hint of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Sports

So his ambiguity suggests, at the least, a hint of uncertainty at the top of English cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

All the same, there was a quieter energy and a sense of settling in for a long game, along with hints of uncertainty about what a long game means, these days, for a progressive movement in the South.

The New Yorker

But neither Brizendine's text nor her cursory endnotes give any hint of this uncertainty.

The New York Times - Books

Wendy Whelan, though greatly flawed as a stylist, has no hint of adolescent uncertainty about her.

The New York Times - Arts

Even when he drops his voice to a menacing whisper or blows a confrontational gust of smoke from one of his cigars, Mr. Affleck registers a hint of panicky uncertainty.

The New York Times

Unlike many atheists who get a hint of doubt and quit religion altogether, questioning and uncertainty led to Father Shay founding his parish.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of uncertainty" to subtly indicate doubt without explicitly stating it. This can add nuance and complexity to your writing, especially when describing characters' emotions or assessing situations.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of uncertainty" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "trace of doubt" or "whiff of ambiguity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a subtle indication of doubt or lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of uncertainty" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that adds subtlety to descriptions of doubt or hesitancy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's effective in conveying a sense of incomplete confidence without being overly direct. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "trace of doubt" or "whiff of ambiguity". Utilizing this phrase effectively allows writers to add depth and nuance to their narratives, highlighting subtle emotional states or guarded assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trace of doubt

Replaces "hint" with "trace", emphasizing a minimal amount of doubt.

whiff of ambiguity

Substitutes "hint of uncertainty" with a suggestion of ambiguity, implying lack of clarity.

suggestion of hesitancy

Uses "suggestion" instead of "hint" and "hesitancy" instead of "uncertainty", indicating a pause or reluctance.

shade of doubt

Employs "shade" to represent a subtle degree of doubt, similar to a hint.

flicker of doubt

Replaces "hint" with "flicker", suggesting a momentary and unstable feeling of doubt.

nuance of ambiguity

Highlights the subtle difference ("nuance") that introduces ambiguity rather than certainty.

tinge of apprehension

Conveys a slight coloring ("tinge") of unease or worry instead of pure uncertainty.

element of doubt

Focuses on "doubt" as a component rather than just a hint, suggesting it's a recognized part of something.

vestige of doubt

Implies a remaining trace ("vestige") of doubt that lingers.

touch of skepticism

Indicates a slight amount of disbelief or questioning ("skepticism") rather than general uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Incorporate "hint of uncertainty" to imply a subtle lack of confidence or assurance, rather than a complete absence of belief. For instance, "His smile held a hint of uncertainty, suggesting he wasn't entirely convinced."

What are some alternatives to "hint of uncertainty"?

You can use alternatives like "trace of doubt", "suggestion of hesitancy", or "shade of doubt" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "hint of uncertainty" and "sign of uncertainty"?

"Hint of uncertainty" implies a subtle, almost imperceptible indication, while "sign of uncertainty" suggests a more noticeable or evident indication. A "sign" is generally more apparent than a "hint".

When is it appropriate to use "hint of uncertainty" in writing?

Use "hint of uncertainty" when you want to describe a situation or character where doubt is present but not overwhelming. It's suitable for conveying subtle emotional states or guarded assessments.