hint to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest or indicate something indirectly or subtly. Example: "She decided to hint to him that she was interested in going out for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is no hint to its location.

The New York Times - Sports

(Hint to lascivious moviegoers: it's on YouTube).

The New Yorker

It's not a hint to start drinking, NOR is it a hint to throw the puzzle across the room.

The New York Times

Hint to Ms. Leek's friends: Send cereal and jelly.

The New York Times

"It was giving people the hint to use violence," he said.

The New Yorker

No, that's not a hint to literally write outside the box.

The New York Times

"Qualifiers hint to the reader that you don't have faith in what you're saying.

Independent

It is a small hint to keep meetings under 15 minutes.

The Economist

The logo highlights the A in Juilliard and the 415, slipping a hint to specialists.

The New York Times - Arts

(Hint to would-be Wodehousians: "bally" rhymes with "valley" and means bloody).

The New Yorker

Mrs. Lincoln's campaign manager, Steve Patterson, offered a hint to his strategy, as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint to" when you want to subtly suggest something without stating it directly, allowing the audience to infer the meaning.

Common error

While "hint to" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your message seem less direct. Consider using more explicit language when clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces an indirect suggestion or clue. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from news articles to scientific research, supporting its role in indicating something subtly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hint to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to offer subtle suggestions or clues, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts like science, news, and general writing, it's essential to consider the level of formality required. It's more appropriate to replace "hint to" with alternatives like "suggest to", "imply to", or "allude to" for clarity in academic or formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clue about

Highlights the aspect of discovery and problem-solving connected with a hint.

lead regarding

Implies guidance toward a solution or understanding.

allusion to

Indicates an indirect reference, similar to a hint, but often more subtle.

pointer toward

Suggests a direction or guidance being offered by the hint.

suggestion toward

Replaces "hint" with a more formal synonym and "to" with "toward", slightly altering the tone.

indication of

Replaces "hint" with a more neutral and formal term, suitable for objective reporting.

implication for

Focuses on the potential outcome or consequence suggested by something.

sign concerning

Indicates a piece of evidence or signal regarding something.

intimation regarding

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a subtle communication or suggestion.

foreshadowing of

Suggests a future event or outcome hinted at in the present.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint to" to subtly suggest something without directly stating it. For example, "The data "hint to" a possible link between OC and FTC."

What are some alternatives to "hint to"?

Alternatives to "hint to" include phrases like "suggest to", "imply to", or "allude to", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "hint to" in academic writing?

While "hint to" is grammatically correct, it may be more appropriate to use more direct and explicit language in certain academic contexts. Consider alternatives like "indicate", "suggest", or "demonstrate" for greater clarity.

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

"Hint to" implies a more subtle and indirect indication, while "suggestion to" implies a more direct and intentional proposal or idea.