hinted at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hinted at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone has suggested or implied something indirectly without stating it outright. Example: "She hinted at her desire for a promotion during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mechel hinted at hanky-panky.

The Economist

His expression hinted at defeat.

The New Yorker

Cantor hinted at his inclination.

The New Yorker

Nothing exuded luxury or hinted at grace".

The New York Times

Their childhoods hinted at similarities, though.

The New York Times

He hinted at something more sinister.

The New York Times - Magazine

The companies themselves have hinted at it.

The New York Times

Mr. Perry has hinted at another run.

The New York Times

Erroneous tabloid rumours hinted at romance.

Independent

This, I thought, hinted at paranoia.

The New York Times

Private sources have hinted at further compromises.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "hinted at" is suitable for scenarios where the implication is subtle or not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "hinted at" when the information was communicated directly or explicitly. "Stated" or "mentioned" are more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinted at" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. It indicates that someone or something communicated information indirectly or subtly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely recognized and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hinted at" is a verb phrase used to describe an indirect suggestion or implication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts with neutral tone, which is indicated by high quality and various examples. When using "hinted at", remember that its function is to communicate something without directness or clarity. For alternatives, you might consider "suggested", "implied", or "insinuated", but be mindful of their nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suggested

A more direct way of indicating something without explicitly stating it.

Implied

Focuses more on the listener's interpretation of what was said, rather than the speaker's intent to suggest something indirectly.

Alluded to

Refers to something indirectly or vaguely.

Intimated

A formal way to suggest something delicately.

Insinuated

Implies a subtle and often negative suggestion.

Made an oblique reference

Emphasizes the indirect and often obscure nature of the reference.

Signaled

Indicates a clear sign or warning, often more explicit than a hint.

Indicated

More direct than "hinted at", suggesting a clearer sign or symptom.

Left an impression

Focuses on the impact of the indirect suggestion rather than the act of hinting.

Gave a clue

Suggests providing a piece of information to solve a puzzle or mystery.

FAQs

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

You can use "hinted at" to show that someone suggested something indirectly. For instance, "The CEO "hinted at" upcoming changes in the company's strategy during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "hinted at"?

Alternatives include "implied", "suggested", "insinuated", or "intimated" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "hinted at" and "suggested"?

"Suggested" is more direct, while "hinted at" implies a more subtle and indirect communication. "He suggested a solution" implies a more straightforward proposal than "He "hinted at" a solution", which suggests a less explicit suggestion.

When is it appropriate to use "hinted at" instead of "stated"?

Use "hinted at" when the information was communicated indirectly, implying that the person didn't explicitly state the information. "Stated" should be used when the information was conveyed directly and explicitly.