it hints that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it hints that" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to suggest or imply an idea without being too direct. For example: "His actions, though not explicitly stated, it hints that he disagrees with the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And the inadvertent sublimity of the Magnum images suggests something else: it hints that art may well share responsibility for the disaster, since what happened on 11 September is something we had all long been secretly and shamefully imagining.

The Guardian

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 there are potential demands for WIAI among farmers.

Agriculture and Agricultural Science Procedia

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

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

The Economist

It hinted that it might file a formal protest.

The New York Times

It hinted that Mr Guo might be excommunicated.

The Economist

It hinted that it would impose economic sanctions against France but never did.

The New York Times

And it hinted that it would, starting with the opening notes of that Kurt Weill-like overture.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it hints that" when you want to suggest something indirectly without stating it explicitly, allowing room for interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "it hints that" when the evidence is conclusive. Opt for stronger verbs like "proves" or "demonstrates" when the information is definitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it hints that" functions as a transitive verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It connects a subject ("it") to an indirect suggestion or implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and commonly used to suggest an idea without being too direct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it hints that" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey suggestions or implications indirectly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, finding common usage in news, scientific writing, and general discourse. While it is often used to introduce possibilities or implications without making definitive statements, it's crucial to avoid overstating the implication when the evidence is conclusive. Alternatives like "it suggests that", "it implies that", or "it indicates that" offer subtle differences in nuance, providing writers with a range of options to express their intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suggests that

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

it implies that

Replaces "hints" with "implies", indicating a more subtle suggestion.

it indicates that

Uses "indicates" instead of "hints", suggesting a clearer sign.

it intimates that

Employs "intimates" for a more subtle and nuanced form of hinting.

it alludes to

Uses "alludes to" which suggests an indirect reference.

it points to

Replaces "hints" with "points to", indicating a direction or focus.

it signifies that

Substitutes "hints" with "signifies", implying a symbolic meaning.

it suggests the possibility that

Adds "the possibility" making the statement more tentative.

it gives the impression that

Changes the structure to focus on the impression created.

it leads one to believe that

Indicates that the statement causes someone to form a belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "it hints that" to suggest something indirectly. For example, "The data, while not conclusive, "it hints that" there may be a correlation between the two variables."

What can I say instead of "it hints that"?

You can use alternatives like "it suggests that", "it implies that", or "it indicates that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it hints that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it hints that" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it versatile for various contexts.

What is the difference between "it hints that" and "it implies that"?

While similar, ""it hints that"" suggests a more subtle and less direct suggestion compared to "it implies that", which can indicate a stronger, though still indirect, suggestion.