hinting at something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hinting at something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that someone is suggesting or implying something indirectly without stating it outright. Example: "Her tone was mysterious, hinting at something more than just a casual conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Margery looked youthful and unspent, hinting at something held in reserve.

The New Yorker

Is Thomas, also a shadow foreign minister and former transport minister, hinting at something here?

The Guardian

His exhibition title, "As If," may be read as hinting at something supernatural animating his otherwise mundane subjects.

The New York Times - Arts

McCain is hinting at something that I'll say outright: opposition to a path to citizenship among many Republicans isn't about border security; it's about complexions and elections.

The New York Times

But now, Mr. Breuer is hinting at something more radical: the possibility of giving up a controlling stake in his own branches.

The New York Times

It has a simple singalong refrain ("I'm not O-kaaaay!"), but when Gerard Way sneers, "Forget about the dirty looks/The photographs your boyfriend took," he seems to be hinting at something more sordid -- or else just hinting at something he saw in a movie.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He hinted at something more sinister.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or do they hint at something worse?

Independent

It hints at something deeper.

The Guardian - Sport

But it hints at something more nefarious.

The New York Times

Mr Obama himself has hinted at something similar.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "hinting at something," ensure the context provides enough clues for the audience to grasp the intended implication without causing confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "hinting at something" excessively without providing enough context. Overdoing it can make your writing seem unclear and frustrating to the reader. Make sure the implication is discernible, even if not explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinting at something" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, used to indicate an indirect suggestion or implication. It suggests that someone is communicating something subtly rather than explicitly. As seen in Ludwig examples, it is frequently used to describe actions or implications in a narrative or factual context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hinting at something" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to suggest or imply information indirectly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to introduce a sense of intrigue or unstated meaning. While direct communication is often preferred for clarity, "hinting at something" allows for nuance and can be particularly effective in creating suspense or approaching sensitive subjects with care. Remember to provide sufficient context to ensure your audience grasps the intended implication without confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying something

Focuses on the act of suggesting something without explicitly stating it.

suggesting something

Similar to implying but can also mean proposing an idea.

alluding to something

Involves making a passing reference to something.

intimating something

Implies communicating delicately and indirectly.

insinuating something

Often suggests conveying something negative in an indirect way.

indicating something indirectly

Highlights the indirect nature of the indication.

leaving a hint

Focuses on the action of providing a subtle clue.

giving a clue

Similar to leaving a hint but more direct.

pointing towards something

Suggests a direction or focus without explicit mention.

gesturing towards something

Implies a non-verbal suggestion or indication.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "hinting at something" in a sentence?

Use "hinting at something" to subtly suggest an idea or possibility without stating it directly. For example, "His mysterious smile was "hinting at something" he wasn't ready to reveal."

What are some alternatives to "hinting at something"?

You can use alternatives like "implying something", "suggesting something", or "alluding to something" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be direct rather than "hinting at something" in writing?

It depends on the context and your purpose. Directness is often clearer and more efficient, but ""hinting at something"" can create suspense, intrigue, or allow you to broach sensitive topics more carefully.

What is the difference between "hinting at something" and "stating something"?

"Hinting at something" involves indirect suggestion, while "stating something" is a direct and explicit declaration. The former leaves room for interpretation, while the latter leaves no doubt about the intended message.