last hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last hint of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the final trace or indication of something that is fading or diminishing. Example: "As the sun set, the last hint of daylight disappeared behind the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When the last hint of blue had vanished into night, Turrell and the others wandered outside.

The New York Times - Magazine

For them, a fatal heart attack or sudden death is the first and last hint of a problem.

The New York Times - Health

As if to eliminate any last hint of non-partisan reporting, the second piece was illustrated with an image of a football with the logo of BT Sport, to which Sky and Ofcom had administered a kicking.

The Guardian

From the dead end of a gravel road at the Henry's Fork trailhead, a single path pushes south along a river, with a United States Forest Service sign-in the last hint of human contact before you walk into the woods.

The New York Times - Travel

The zoo's Beaux-Arts Lion House, built in 1903, has been vacant since the 1970's; the hand-carved sculptures of lions and tigers on its masonry facade the last hint of the creatures once caged along its 18,000-square-foot interior.

The New York Times

And then, as swiftly as they first came, we take our exams, we shake our professors' hands half in gratitude and half in hopes of absorbing one last hint of positive karma, and we leave.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When she left her mostly-eaten watermelon slices on a plate, the elderly woman collecting dishes chewed the last remaining hint of pink off Yang's white watermelon rinds.

Huffington Post

Everyone seemed to already be thinking about after, when my mission would be to negate every last trace of the transformation, every hint of the fact that I had changed and changed and continued to change through remarkably dramatic phases and impressively evolved stages that rearranged my organs and opened my ribs and poured new blood into my hardworking veins.

Huffington Post

There was nothing remotely fidgety about them at the last knockings, no hint of a meltdown.

Independent

All dumb, that is, except for that pocket of students in the corner – and perhaps except for those whose primary concern lay in this fixture slipping into the night, and out of the consciousness at long last, without any hint of controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

Contained in that last word is a hint of FedEx's -- and the modern world's -- solution: the free market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last hint of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is fading or diminishing. For example, "The last hint of summer faded as autumn approached."

Common error

Avoid using "last hint of" when referring to something substantial or prominent. This phrase is best suited for subtle, almost imperceptible traces, rather than significant portions or clear indicators.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last hint of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It modifies a noun by specifying that it's the final, subtle indication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last hint of" is a grammatically correct and contextually appropriate way to describe the final, subtle indication of something diminishing. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context implies a subtle trace, not something substantial. Alternative phrases like "final trace of" or "last vestige of" can be used for similar effect. While versatile, the phrase's descriptive power is best realized when conveying a sense of fading or disappearing qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last vestige of

Synonymous substitution focusing on the final remaining portion.

final trace of

Substitutes 'hint' with 'trace', emphasizing the last remaining mark.

final vestige of

Replaces 'hint' with 'vestige', indicating a more substantial remaining trace.

final sign of

Focuses on the last observable indication of something.

last glimmer of

Replaces 'hint' with 'glimmer', suggesting a faint, fading sign.

last echo of

Implies a fading reminder or resonance of something.

final whisper of

Emphasizes a subtle and almost imperceptible trace.

remaining indication of

Focuses on what's left of an original indication.

ultimate suggestion of

More formal and emphasizes the conclusive nature of the suggestion.

residual suggestion of

Highlights the left-over or remaining nature of the suggestion.

FAQs

What does "last hint of" mean?

The phrase "last hint of" refers to the final, subtle indication or trace of something that is disappearing or fading away.

How can I use "last hint of" in a sentence?

You can use "last hint of" to describe the dwindling presence of something, such as, "The "last hint of sunlight" disappeared behind the clouds."

What can I say instead of "last hint of"?

You can use alternatives like "final trace of", "last vestige of", or "final sign of depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "last hint of" in formal writing?

Yes, "last hint of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though its impact is often more pronounced in descriptive or literary contexts. For very formal contexts, consider "final indication of".