hinting that

USAGE SUMMARY

"hinting that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest or imply something without directly saying it. For example: "He refused to answer my question, hinting that he knew more than what he was willing to tell me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is hinting that strikes against Syrian targets may actually be larger than Kerry describes.

The Washington Post

Are you hinting that you're next?

The Guardian

Was Cameron hinting that this might change?

The Guardian

Bosnian Serb leaders are hinting that they may not.

The Economist

Was the chancellor hinting that HS2 will be ditched?

The Guardian - Business

They are still hinting that it is still an option.

The New Yorker

Identical twins did not always share their diagnosis, hinting that non-genetic factors contribute to autism.

Stanford University

But some are already hinting that they will need to pare or postpone those orders.

The New York Times

Mr Kérékou blamed the independent electoral commission, hinting that the errors were not accidental.

The Economist

"This company does not point fingers," he said, sternly, hinting that a less scrupulous C.E.O.

The New Yorker

But financial institutions are hinting that cash is still hard to come by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hinting that" when you want to subtly suggest something without stating it directly. This can be useful in situations where directness might be impolite or inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "hinting that", as it can make your writing seem evasive or unclear. Sometimes, directness is more effective and appreciated. Consider alternative phrases or more direct statements to balance subtlety with clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hinting that" functions as a transitional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It serves to connect an action or statement with its implied meaning or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly suitable for written English and the examples reinforce its role in subtly introducing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hinting that" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for indirectly suggesting information or possibilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to subtly convey meanings, allowing for nuanced communication. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse and balance subtlety with clarity. Alternatives like "implying that" or "suggesting that" can provide variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implying that

Focuses on the act of suggesting something indirectly through words or actions.

suggesting that

A more direct way of indicating a possibility or idea, though still not explicitly stating it.

intimating that

Similar to "hinting that" but can carry a slightly stronger sense of conveying something delicate or private.

insinuating that

Often used when the suggestion is negative or potentially offensive.

alluding to the fact that

More formal and literary, indicating a reference to something without explicitly mentioning it.

giving the impression that

Focuses on the perception created rather than the intention to suggest.

leading one to believe that

Highlights the effect on the audience, suggesting a conclusion drawn from indirect evidence.

dropping a hint that

More colloquial, emphasizes the casual or unintentional nature of the suggestion.

making veiled references to

Highlights the indirect and often secretive nature of the suggestion.

conveying the idea that

Focuses on the communication of a specific idea or message through indirect means.

FAQs

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

"Hinting that" is used to suggest something indirectly. For example: "He was "hinting that" he might leave the company soon."

What's the difference between ""hinting that"" and "implying that"?

"Hinting that" suggests a more subtle or gentle suggestion, while "implying that" can be a stronger or more deliberate indirect communication.

What can I say instead of ""hinting that""?

You can use alternatives like "suggesting that", "implying that", or "intimating that" depending on the context.

Is it always better to be direct rather than ""hinting that""?

Not always. Sometimes, subtlety is necessary for politeness or to avoid conflict. "Hinting that" can be a useful tool in nuanced communication.