hunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hunch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a strong feeling or instinct about something. For example, "I had a hunch that he was lying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When close friends or relatives have died suddenly, I have sometimes looked at the retreating back of someone in a crowd whose shoulders hunch similarly, or who flicks their hair as the deceased once did – the thought that it might be them rushing and passing in a second's optimism.

The Guardian - Opinion

My strong hunch is that, while Tesco is the first to feel the effect of this shift, it won't be the last.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is banking on the hunch that the public and political mood has shifted firmly against the tax arrangements brokered by Luxembourg and other states.

The Guardian

But Clegg's hunch that the Lib Dems can weather the storm could yet be vindicated, if only the economy comes good.

The Guardian - Opinion

My hunch is that the Express and Star audiences are prime Ukip territory, so urging them to vote for the party is like preaching to the converted.

The Guardian

She passes herself off as part of the "timewasting division" without believing it for a second, easily bests her colleagues, and returns to Barry on a hunch for two nailbiting face-offs with the resident vampires of Honolulu Heights.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's only a hunch, of course, that Blair's fundamental wrongness will be the judgment of history.

The Guardian - Opinion

My hunch is that this may not be the case in future: that if serious London newspapers and obituary pages still exist 50 years from now, they will be much less likely to include lives that began near the mouth of the Tyne or the valleys of the Pennines.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said: "Conventional polling is saying that there is nothing to choose between the parties, whereas the hunch of the crowd continues to be that the Tories will have the edge.

The Guardian

As Beresford talked to Livingstone, he had a hunch the story's moment had come.

The Guardian - Film

"My hunch is probably not," Hood replies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunch" when you want to convey an intuitive guess or feeling that doesn't rely on concrete evidence. It's useful when describing a belief or anticipation based on instinct.

Common error

Avoid using "hunch" when you actually mean "hope". A "hunch" is an intuitive feeling or guess, while "hope" expresses a desire for something to happen. For example, instead of saying "I have a hunch she will win", say "I hope she will win" if you are expressing a wish.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hunch" is as a noun, referring to an intuitive feeling or guess about something. It can also function as a verb, meaning to stoop or bend over. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hunch" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe an intuitive feeling or guess. Ludwig AI validates that "hunch" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it conveys a sense of intuition, it's essential to differentiate it from "hope", which expresses desire. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "hypothesis" or "assumption". Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication. The prevalence of "hunch" in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its acceptance and utility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gut feeling

This alternative emphasizes a strong, instinctive feeling, often regarded as reliable.

intuition

This term suggests an immediate understanding without conscious reasoning.

presentiment

This implies a feeling that something, especially something unpleasant, is about to happen.

premonition

Similar to presentiment, but often carries a stronger sense of foreboding.

suspicion

This indicates a belief that something is wrong or dishonest, based on limited evidence.

sneaking suspicion

Emphasizes a subtle, yet persistent feeling of doubt or unease.

feeling in one's bones

This idiom suggests a deep, almost visceral sense of certainty.

educated guess

This term indicates a guess based on some knowledge or information, rather than pure intuition.

working hypothesis

Suggests a preliminary assumption made as a basis for further investigation.

inkling

This implies a slight, vague idea or feeling about something.

FAQs

How can I use "hunch" in a sentence?

You can use "hunch" to describe an intuitive feeling or guess. For example, "I had a "hunch" that something was wrong", or "She acted on a "hunch" and it paid off".

What's the difference between a "hunch" and a "guess"?

While both involve uncertainty, a "hunch" is often based on intuition or a feeling, whereas a "guess" may be more random or based on limited information. A "hunch" carries a sense of conviction that a simple "guess" might lack.

What can I say instead of "hunch"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "intuition", "gut feeling", or "suspicion". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hunch" in formal writing?

While "hunch" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "hypothesis" or "presumption".