inkling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inkling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a vague or incomplete understanding or knowledge of something, or a hint or faint suggestion of an idea. For example: "I had an inkling that something wasn't quite right, but I wasn't sure what it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you met at college, did you have any inkling about Stephen's health?

The Guardian

Martin Boon of ICM Unlimited, who pioneered this "wisdom of crowds" approach, explained: "Most people will have an inkling about how friends and relatives will vote, and in aggregate these impressions may count for more than individuals' sometimes less-than-clear sense of their own intentions.

The Guardian

"Looking back, the first time I had an inkling was immediately after that first debate.

The Guardian

In the meantime, we're entitled to hope that the small-screen comedy showcases as wide a variety of styles, worldviews and imaginations as possible, that it isn't reduced to the publicity arm of one or two powerful agencies, and that it gives you an inkling of how exciting standup can be when you're in the room with it.

The Guardian

I wasn't certain that Miller would plead not guilty, but Phoebe Waller-Bridge's slightly too large performance as his lawyer in the opening minutes gave me a strong inkling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He must have had some inkling, surely?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is a significant change and one that the first IPCC assessment report in 1990 had little inkling of.

The Economist

THANKS to a botched suicide bid that blew away part of his brain, the Arkansas murderer Ricky Ray Rector had no inkling of the link between his execution and the presidential ambitions of his state's governor, Bill Clinton.

The Economist

Given the length and breadth of the relationship, the banks should have had some inkling about what was going on.

The Economist

Yet the claim that Robert Littell "does for the CIA what Mario Puzo did for the Mafia" is not a bad introduction to a thriller which has sold 100,000 copies in America in the past three months and is well on the way to becoming the summer's beach bestseller.Like "The Godfather", "The Company" introduces the reader to an engaging underworld that you always had an inkling existed.

The Economist

Time and again experiments conformed neatly with the Standard Model, giving no inkling of what might lie beyond it, to the chagrin of many in the field.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inkling" when you want to convey a subtle or vague understanding, not a fully formed idea. It's perfect for describing initial impressions or early suspicions.

Common error

Avoid using "inkling" when you actually have concrete evidence or a strong conviction. "Inkling" implies a weak or uncertain feeling; if you have more than that, choose a stronger word.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inkling" is as a noun, referring to a slight suspicion, hint, or vague idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is often used with verbs like "have", "get", or "give" to express the experience or communication of such a subtle notion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inkling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that conveys a slight suspicion, hint, or vague idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used to express a preliminary understanding, often without concrete evidence. It commonly appears in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "inkling", be mindful to reserve it for describing faint notions rather than strong convictions. Consider alternatives like "hint", "suspicion", or "hunch" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of

Suggests a subtle indication or clue, implying incomplete information.

slight suspicion

Indicates a mild feeling of doubt or mistrust, akin to a preliminary concern.

hunch

Refers to an intuitive feeling or guess, often without concrete evidence.

faint notion

Describes a weak or indistinct idea, implying a lack of clarity.

sneaking suspicion

Implies a secret or underlying feeling of doubt.

gut feeling

Indicates an instinctive sensation or intuition about something.

vague idea

Refers to an imprecise or unclear notion, similar to a faint understanding.

sense of

Describes a general awareness or perception, often not fully formed.

premonition

Suggests a feeling that something is about to happen, often negative.

suspicion

A feeling of doubt or mistrust regarding someone or something.

FAQs

How to use "inkling" in a sentence?

You can use "inkling" to describe a slight suspicion or hint. For example, "I had an inkling that something was wrong" or "She gave me an inkling of what was to come".

What can I say instead of "inkling"?

You can use alternatives like "hint", "suspicion", or "hunch" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have an inkling of"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "have an inkling of" is commonly used to express a slight or vague idea about something.

What's the difference between "inkling" and "feeling"?

"Inkling" suggests a vague idea or suspicion, whereas "feeling" is a broader term that can refer to any emotional state or physical sensation. An "inkling" is more specific and implies a cognitive aspect.