it hints at

USAGE SUMMARY

"it hints at" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something implies or suggests something else without explicitly saying it. For example, "His response to the question seemed guarded, it hints at something more going on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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 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

I tell this story because it hints at the strengths and limitations of data analysis.

The New York Times

Instead, it hints at an international conspiracy to sink Mr Aristide.

The Economist

The name means wild boar and it hints at the kitchen's preference for seasonal products.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it hints at" when you want to subtly suggest something without stating it directly. This can add nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it hints at" excessively when a more direct statement would be clearer and more effective. Overuse can make your writing seem vague or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hints at" functions as a present tense verb phrase that introduces a subtle suggestion or implication. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used to indicate something without stating it explicitly. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts to suggest underlying meanings or possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it hints at" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to subtly suggest or imply something without making a direct statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, as well as in scientific writing, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it, as direct statements may be clearer in certain situations. Alternatives include "it suggests" or "it implies", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggests

Replaces "hints" with "suggests", implying a more direct indication.

it implies

Substitutes "hints" with "implies", indicating a logical consequence or suggestion.

it indicates

Replaces "hints" with "indicates", suggesting a clear but not definitive sign.

it points to

Uses "points to" instead of "hints at", conveying a directional suggestion.

it alludes to

Substitutes "hints" with "alludes", suggesting a more subtle or indirect reference.

it intimates

Replaces "hints" with "intimates", implying a delicate or subtle suggestion.

it gives the impression of

Uses a longer phrase to convey a similar sense of suggestion or implication.

it seems to suggest

Adds "seems to" to soften the suggestion, making it less assertive.

it leads one to believe

Expresses the suggestion as a personal conclusion drawn from the information.

it gives a clue about

Replaces "hints at" with a phrase focused on providing a clue, suggesting a piece of information that helps solve a puzzle or mystery.

FAQs

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

You can use "it hints at" to subtly suggest an idea or possibility without explicitly stating it. For example, "The data it hints at a potential correlation between the two variables".

What's a good alternative to "it hints at"?

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

Is it correct to say "it hints on" instead of "it hints at"?

No, the correct phrasing is "it hints at". The preposition "at" is necessary to properly connect the verb "hints" with the implied object or idea.

What is the difference between "it hints at" and "it proves"?

"It hints at" suggests an indirect indication or a subtle suggestion, while "it proves" implies a definitive and conclusive demonstration of something. "It hints at" is less assertive than "it proves".