it hinted that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hinted that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something suggests or implies a particular idea or conclusion without stating it directly. Example: "The report was vague, but it hinted that there might be budget cuts coming soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The FTC said it could not comment on any probe, but it hinted that past precedence, involving Google, indicating that violations of consent decrees are taken seriously and investigated.

TechCrunch

The issue had been referred to the court by judges in a case against Mr Berlusconi that was suspended when the law came into force last July.Although the court has not yet given its reasons, it hinted that it agreed with both points made by judges in a lower court.

The Economist

As the strike entered its third week, Volkswagen estimated its losses at $20 million a day, and it hinted that it might put off further investment in Mexico, where it has committed about $1.5 billion the last five years, if it went on much longer.

The New York Times

Grab's business is more than just Indonesia, although the company recently said the country is its largest in terms of rides completed, and it hinted that this Grab Pay platform initiative will at some point expand to its five other markets: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia.

TechCrunch

This week it hinted that it would boost existing upmarket brands to reduce its European losses.

The Economist

It hinted that Mr Guo might be excommunicated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's a funny mistake, à la Quayle's misspelling of potato, and it hints that Obama does not really know the country he wants to govern.

Forbes

It hints that sex partner's opinion may influence the WTP [ 29].

BioMed Research International

It hints that single daily RT dose would not change the permeability of vessel or lymphatic system in delivery of 5-FU.

BMC Cancer

It hints that heaven, however fleetingly it is felt, is other people, too.

The New York Times

It hints that it has proprietary data from BP and Arco themselves that concern sales to a small group of refiners relying on Alaskan oil.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it hinted that", ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined and its connection to the hinted information is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "it hinted that" without offering any contextual clues or supporting information. Overusing the phrase can make your writing seem speculative or lacking in substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hinted that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information that is suggested or implied, but not directly stated. It's commonly used to convey indirect communication, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it hinted that" serves as a valuable tool for conveying indirect suggestions or implications, suitable for various writing styles and contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. While most common in news and media, its usage extends to scientific and other domains, emphasizing its versatility. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively employ "it hinted that" to add subtlety and nuance to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggested that

Changes the verb to "suggested", implying a slightly more direct indication.

it implied that

Replaces "hinted" with "implied", indicating a more subtle or indirect suggestion.

it indicated that

Uses "indicated" instead of "hinted", suggesting a slightly clearer sign or signal.

it intimated that

Employs "intimated", conveying a delicate or subtle communication.

it alluded to

Substitutes "hinted" with "alluded to", meaning to refer to something indirectly.

it gave the impression that

This phrase focuses on the perceived impression rather than direct communication.

it led one to believe that

This alternative focuses on the resulting belief or conclusion.

it dropped a hint that

This alternative uses a more explicit and less formal noun phrase.

it gave a clue that

Replaces 'hinted' with 'gave a clue', suggesting a piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.

the evidence suggested that

Shifts focus to the evidence as the source of the hint or suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "it hinted that" in a sentence?

"It hinted that" is used to express an indirect suggestion or implication. For example, "The report was cautiously optimistic, "it hinted that" the economy might be improving, but did not make any explicit predictions."

What are some alternatives to "it hinted that"?

You can use phrases like "it suggested that", "it implied that", or "it indicated that" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

What's the difference between "it hinted that" and "it stated that"?

"It hinted that" implies an indirect suggestion, while "it stated that" indicates a direct and explicit declaration. Use "it stated that" when something was clearly and directly communicated, and ""it hinted that"" when the message was more subtle.

Is "it hinted that" formal or informal?

"It hinted that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing rather than the phrase itself.