just hints at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just hints at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something suggests or implies a particular idea or feeling without stating it directly. Example: "The author’s choice of words just hints at the underlying tension between the characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Or maybe, he and his wife suggest, it just hints at the dangers of overreaching.

The New York Times

The matter-of-fact way "24" has placed him in the White House just hints at how this clever suspense series -- one of the most compelling to arrive last season -- toys with and enhances reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Shift K3y's remix retains the cozy nature of the vocals but drops them into a feelsy, melodic deeper house track that only just hints at the whomp the UK producer keeps in his back pocket.

Vice

Norman just hints at the turmoil caused by their creative conflicts, mentioning that Friedkin finished his cut and went off to film Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party in London while Lear shot another two weeks of footage to complete the coverage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That 2007 paper just hinted at the possibilities.

MIT Technology Review

And those images just hint at the stories that survivors of the Shoah carry with them.

The New York Times

You have to just hint at something -- awakening them, not alarming them.

The New York Times - Magazine

It doesn't just hint at a narrative; it hints at a whole world around the singer and Valerie".

The Guardian - Music

So a creamy white leather outfit just hinted at a racer's jumpsuit or a nude crochet dress brought to mind the texture of a car tire.

The New York Times

It's been a treat to see the inimitable Dame Maggie Smith portraying a more human Dowager Countess of Grantham, showing real emotion rather than just hinting at it through a caustic one liner.

Independent

But by disguising a de facto sales tax as damages, the critics maintain, the states have agreed to a deal with unintended consequences that are just hinted at in the joint news release describing the 100-page settlement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just hints at" when you want to convey that something is suggested indirectly or subtly, leaving room for interpretation or further exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "just hints at" when you intend to make a clear and direct statement. This phrase is most effective when the implication is intentionally understated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just hints at" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It modifies the action of hinting, indicating that the suggestion or implication is subtle and not explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just hints at" serves to introduce subtle suggestions or implications within a statement. Analysis, supported by Ludwig AI, confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and appropriately used in written English. It is most prevalent in News & Media contexts, with examples showing its effectiveness in indicating understated or indirect messages. When using this phrase, remember that it's best suited for situations where you want to imply something without being overly explicit. Consider alternatives such as "merely suggests" or "only implies" depending on the intended level of subtlety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely suggests

Replaces "hints at" with "suggests", implying a slightly weaker level of indication.

only implies

Uses "implies" instead of "hints at", suggesting a more indirect communication.

subtly indicates

Emphasizes the subtlety of the suggestion, replacing "hints" with "indicates".

intimates slightly

Replaces "hints" with "intimates", which implies a more delicate or indirect suggestion.

gives a slight indication of

Expands the phrase to explicitly state that a slight indication is being given.

offers a glimpse of

Focuses on the brief and fleeting nature of the suggestion.

lightly alludes to

Uses "alludes to", suggesting an indirect reference.

provides a subtle clue to

Highlights the suggestive nature of something that functions as a clue.

barely suggests the presence of

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the suggestion or indication.

offers a veiled reference to

Indicates an indirect and somewhat concealed reference.

FAQs

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

Use "just hints at" to indicate that something subtly suggests an idea or feeling without directly stating it. For example, "The decor of the room "just hints at" the owner's love of travel."

What are some alternatives to "just hints at"?

You can use alternatives like "merely suggests", "only implies", or "subtly indicates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "just hints at" or "strongly suggests"?

The choice depends on the context. "Just hints at" implies a subtle suggestion, while "strongly suggests" indicates a more forceful implication. Use ""just hints at"" when you want to imply something without being explicit.

Can "just hints at" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""just hints at"" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to convey a subtle implication or suggestion, as confirmed by its usage in reputable news sources.