hold clues

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold clues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has certain information which can help to solve a mystery or lead to an answer. For example: "The items in the attic held clues that helped us solve the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

An artist's beginnings hold clues to the mature imagery.

The New York Times - Arts

The recent discovery of one of the author's private notebooks might hold clues.

The New Yorker

For it might hold clues to the origin of life itself.

The Economist

And, yes, he plunges into a trash bin in search of packaging that might hold clues.

The New York Times - Arts

It turns out that much older fossils hold clues to their hues.

The New York Times - Science

Their remains hold clues about when humanity's ancestors became capable of talking.

The Economist

Re "Sheep Ailment May Hold Clues to Mad Cow Disease" (Dec.

The New York Times - Science

In other words, it's possible that C57BL/6 will hold clues to a cure.

The New Yorker

The black box could hold clues as to why the plane crashed.

The Guardian

His briefcase might hold clues to his identity, but he has lost it.

The New York Times - Books

Do its similarities and differences hold clues about how it, and therefore we, were formed?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold clues" when you want to emphasize that something contains information that can help solve a mystery or lead to a better understanding of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "hold clues" when the context involves direct answers or readily available information. This phrase is best suited for situations where the information requires careful interpretation or investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold clues" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, where the verb "hold" indicates possession or containment and "clues" refers to pieces of evidence or hints. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common appearance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold clues" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating that something possesses information that can help solve a mystery or lead to a better understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds application across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and research. While alternatives like "contain clues" or "offer insights" exist, "hold clues" effectively conveys the idea of possessing potentially revealing information. Remember to use it when the context involves information requiring interpretation and investigation, rather than direct and obvious answers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contain clues

Emphasizes the presence of clues within something, similar to "hold clues" but focusing on the container aspect.

provide leads

Synonymous with "hold clues", emphasizing the guidance aspect of the information.

offer insights

Focuses on the potential for understanding rather than explicitly mentioning clues.

provide evidence

Highlights the evidentiary nature of the information, suggesting a more concrete form of support.

point to solutions

Directs attention towards possible solutions, emphasizing the directional aspect of the clues.

reveal information

Stresses the act of uncovering or making something known, differing slightly from the implicit holding of clues.

suggest possibilities

Indicates a broader range of potential outcomes, rather than specific leads.

hint at answers

Implies a more subtle indication, contrasting with the more direct implication of "hold clues".

harbor secrets

Suggests a hidden or concealed aspect, adding a layer of mystery beyond simple clues.

embed suggestions

Emphasizes that the clues are an integrated part of the source in question.

FAQs

How can I use "hold clues" in a sentence?

You can use "hold clues" to indicate that something contains information that may lead to a discovery or solution. For instance, "The ancient artifact may "hold clues" to understanding the civilization's collapse".

What are some alternatives to "hold clues"?

Some alternatives to "hold clues" include "contain clues", "offer insights", and "provide leads", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "hold clues" or "contain clues"?

Both "hold clues" and "contain clues" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Hold clues" implies a more active role, while "contain clues" is more passive.

In what type of writing is "hold clues" most appropriate?

"Hold clues" is appropriate for a variety of writing styles, including news reports, scientific articles, and creative writing, particularly when discussing mysteries, investigations, or discoveries. This phrase is more suitable when it requires further exploration to be clear.