hinted that

USAGE SUMMARY

"hinted that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that someone has given a suggestion or an implication without being explicit. For example, "He hinted that he didn't like the gift I had given him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he hinted that it might.

The New York Times

She hinted that the I.M.F.

The New York Times

I hinted that I was seeing someone.

The New York Times

He hinted that she could lose the property, she said.

The New York Times

On Monday, Hamas hinted that it was open to that.

The New York Times

Prosecutors had earlier hinted that they would oppose bail.

The New York Times

It hinted that Mr Guo might be excommunicated.

The Economist

He hinted that the victim was suffering from mental illness.

Independent

State television hinted that foreign forces were behind it.

The Economist

Mahmoud Abbas, the PA's president, hinted that he would agree.

The Economist

Afterward, Maradona, 49, hinted that he would step down.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hinted that" to suggest a meaning without explicitly stating it, adding nuance to your writing. Ensure the context makes the implied meaning clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "hinted that" without providing sufficient context. Over-reliance on indirect suggestions can confuse readers and weaken your message. Balance subtle implications with clear statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinted that" primarily functions as a reporting verb introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates that someone has communicated something indirectly, suggesting a meaning without explicitly stating it. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable to express suggestion or implication without being explicit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hinted that" is a versatile tool for indirect communication, frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Sports contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability for expressing suggestions or implications subtly. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, allowing writers to add nuance without being overly direct. While it's a common and useful phrase, writers should avoid overuse and ensure sufficient context for clarity. Alternatives like "suggested that" or "implied that" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suggested that

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating a subtle proposal or idea put forward.

Implied that

This alternative suggests a meaning was conveyed indirectly, but perhaps more subtly than with "hinted that".

Intimated that

This suggests a more delicate or private way of conveying a message indirectly.

Implied as much

This is a concise way of stating that the implication was almost directly made.

Insinuated that

This implies a negative or artful suggestion was made indirectly.

Alluded to the fact that

This alternative highlights the act of making an indirect reference.

Left the impression that

Focuses on the resulting feeling or understanding created in the audience.

Gave the impression that

Very similar to 'left the impression that' focusing on the resulting feeling or understanding created in the audience.

Let it be known that

This implies the message was deliberately, though perhaps indirectly, communicated.

Conveyed indirectly that

This emphasizes the indirect method of communication used.

FAQs

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

Use "hinted that" to suggest something indirectly. For example, "The CEO "hinted that" layoffs might be coming, but did not make an official announcement."

What are some alternatives to "hinted that"?

You can use alternatives like "suggested that", "implied that", or "insinuated that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to "hint that" or "state directly"?

It depends on the context. "Hinting" is useful when you want to be subtle or avoid being too direct. "Stating directly" is better when clarity is essential, and there is no need for subtlety.

What's the difference between "hinted that" and "implied that"?

"Hinted that" suggests a deliberate act of dropping a subtle clue or suggestion, while "implied that" suggests a meaning was conveyed indirectly, whether intentionally or not. You "hinted that" you were unhappy, but your silence implied that the problem was serious.