hinted at indirectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hinted at indirectly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is suggested or implied without being stated outright. Example: "The author hinted at indirectly the underlying themes of loss and redemption throughout the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although hinted at indirectly in some poems, Riley wrote very little on serious subject matter, and actually mocked attempts at serious poetry.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

Hints at stories I've heard hinted at, too!

Princeton University

Louis C.K. hinted at change.

The Washington Post

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

"That was already being hinted at".

The New York Times

He hinted at something more sinister.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hinted at indirectly" to convey a sense of subtlety and nuance when suggesting something without explicitly stating it. It is particularly effective when you want to avoid being too direct or confrontational.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many indirect expressions. While subtlety is valuable, excessive indirection can confuse your audience and obscure your message. Balance indirect hints with clear statements to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinted at indirectly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner in which something was suggested or implied, emphasizing the subtlety and lack of directness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hinted at indirectly" is a grammatically sound way to describe something that is suggested in a subtle and non-explicit manner. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's appropriate for written English. While its usage is relatively rare, it finds application across news, academic, and wiki contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "subtly implied" or "alluded to subtly" to achieve similar effects. When writing, remember that while subtlety has its place, clarity is key. Avoid excessive indirection that could confuse your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subtly implied

Focuses on the subtlety of the implication, emphasizing the delicate nature of the suggestion.

Implied tacitly

Highlights the unspoken nature of the implication, suggesting it's understood without direct expression.

Alluded to subtly

Similar to 'subtly implied', but uses 'alluded' to emphasize a brief or indirect reference.

Delicately suggested

Emphasizes the careful and gentle manner in which something was suggested.

Vaguely intimated

Highlights the lack of clarity in the hint, suggesting it was somewhat unclear.

Obliquely referenced

Focuses on the indirect and roundabout way in which something was referenced.

Intimated circuitously

Similar to 'obliquely referenced', but uses 'intimated' to suggest a more subtle communication.

Suggested with reservation

Indicates that the suggestion was made with some hesitancy or caution.

Circumstantially implied

Suggests that the implication arises from the surrounding circumstances rather than direct statement.

Hinted at in passing

Implies the hint was brief and not the primary focus of the conversation or text.

FAQs

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

You can use "hinted at indirectly" to describe how something was suggested without being explicitly stated. For example, "The author "hinted at indirectly" the character's true motives through subtle symbolism."

What's a more direct way to express the same idea as "hinted at indirectly"?

If you want to be more direct, you could say "implied subtly" or "suggested indirectly". These alternatives remove some of the layers of indirection.

Is "hinted at indirectly" redundant? Isn't hinting already indirect?

While hinting inherently involves indirection, using ""hinted at indirectly"" can emphasize the level of subtlety involved. It highlights that the suggestion was not just a hint, but a very subtle one.

Are there situations where using "hinted at indirectly" might be less effective?

In situations where clarity is crucial, such as legal documents or technical instructions, using ""hinted at indirectly"" might not be the best choice. Opt for more direct language to avoid ambiguity.