hinted about

USAGE SUMMARY

"hinted about" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain thing or idea has been mentioned in an indirect or subtle way, often without explicitly stating it. For example, "His parents hinted about wanting to see him more often."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His grandfather hinted about past family secrets.

The New York Times

He had not hinted about his ambitions.

The New York Times

Or write that book he hinted about.

The New York Times - Sports

Israeli officials, however, have hinted about covert campaigns against Iran without directly admitting involvement.

Independent

In recent years he'd hinted about old boyfriends, first loves, salacious liaisons.

The New York Times

Some of Gertrude's writing about this period has hinted about incest on her father's part.

The New Yorker

The league's general managers already hinted about that in the draft.

The New York Times

"Some of the witnesses testified and hinted about the wider conspiracy, but that was overlooked".

The New York Times

Flanagan had been preparing as if this were her final race, which she had hinted about.

The New York Times - Sports

She is a flamboyant, engaging woman who has hinted about the desolation in her past.

The New York Times - Sports

Israeli officials have previously hinted about covert campaigns against Iran without directly admitting involvement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hinted about" when you want to suggest something without stating it explicitly, leaving room for interpretation.

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using more direct language unless the subtlety is intentional. Overuse can make your writing seem evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinted about" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of making an indirect suggestion or allusion. As Ludwig AI notes, it indicates a subtle conveyance of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hinted about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the act of making an indirect suggestion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile expression suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it is recommended to use direct language in formal writing if subtlety is not intentional. When you need to be subtle or indirect, "hinted about" is a great choice. Alternatives such as "alluded to", "suggested subtly", and "intimated regarding" can also be considered for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alluded to

Focuses on indirect reference, often implying a deeper meaning.

suggested subtly

Emphasizes the indirect and delicate nature of the suggestion.

intimated regarding

Implies a more formal and discreet communication.

implied concerning

Highlights the indirect conveyance of a message or idea.

insinuated around

Suggests a more subtle and sometimes negative form of hinting.

mentioned indirectly

Highlights the lack of directness in the mentioning.

gave a clue about

Focuses on providing a small piece of information.

dropped a hint regarding

Emphasizes the casual and often unintentional nature of the hint.

left clues about

Focuses on passively providing the information for someone else to interpret.

beat around the bush concerning

Indicates evasion and indirectness in communication.

FAQs

How can I use "hinted about" in a sentence?

You can use "hinted about" to suggest something without stating it directly. For example, "She "hinted about" a promotion but didn't say anything definite."

What are some alternatives to "hinted about"?

Alternatives include "alluded to", "suggested subtly", or "intimated regarding". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "hinted about" formal or informal?

"Hinted about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more direct language might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "hinted about" and "stated explicitly"?

"Hinted about" implies an indirect suggestion, while "stated explicitly" means something was communicated directly and clearly. The opposite of "hinted about" is "stated explicitly".