it hints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hints" 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 meaning without stating it directly. Example: "The tone of her voice hints at her true feelings about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twitter has also run into user complaints whenever it hints at changing its approach.

Los Angeles Times

It hints at dark consequences.

The Economist

It hints at laziness".

The Guardian

It hints at something deeper.

The Guardian - Sport

But it hints at something more nefarious.

The New York Times

Yet it hints at possible deeper political changes.

The Economist

It hints at the one-sided nature of the transaction.

The Guardian

It hints, often unfairly, that everything was downhill thereafter.

The Guardian - Film

It hints at the true state of human knowledge.

The Guardian - Arts

"It hints at Harold's opinion of war," Mr. Law added.

The New York Times

It hints at amazing things for the future.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it hints" to subtly introduce an idea or suggestion without explicitly stating it, adding nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it hints" without offering supporting evidence or context. Ensure the reader can grasp the implied meaning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hints" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of something suggesting or implying something else without explicitly stating it. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it hints" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for suggesting something indirectly. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using "it hints", ensure you provide enough context for the reader to grasp the implied meaning, and consider related phrases like "it suggests" or "it implies" to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "it hints" to enhance the depth and sophistication of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggests

This alternative uses a more direct synonym for hinting, focusing on the act of proposing an idea.

it implies

This alternative highlights the indirect communication of an idea, similar to hinting.

it indicates

This suggests a more evident sign or signal, though still short of a direct statement.

it intimates

This conveys a subtle and delicate way of communicating an idea, often private or personal.

it alludes to

This specifies an indirect reference, often requiring some background knowledge to understand.

it signifies

This alternative focuses on the meaning or symbolism being conveyed.

it points to

This suggests a direction or focus, indicating a potential outcome or conclusion.

it signals

This emphasizes a clear but subtle communication, like a signal being sent.

it whispers of

This alternative has a more poetic tone, suggesting a faint or secretive indication.

it gives a clue

This emphasizes the act of providing a hint that aids in understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "it hints" in a sentence?

You can use "it hints" to suggest something indirectly. For example, "The data it hints at potential problems in the future."

What are some alternatives to "it hints"?

Alternatives include "it suggests", "it implies", or "it indicates", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it hints" or "it states"?

"It hints" implies an indirect suggestion, while "it states" implies a direct declaration. The better choice depends on whether you want to convey subtlety or directness.

What does it mean when something "hints at" something else?

When something "hints at" something else, it means it suggests or implies it without saying it directly. It provides a clue or indication of something else.