leave a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to providing hints or information that can help someone solve a problem or mystery. Example: "In the game, players must leave a clue for others to find in order to progress to the next level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

All items should be returned to their rightful owners, thus determining the student who didn't leave a clue.

Yale University

The conceit of the game is that an alleged crime has been committed by the student who didn't leave a clue.

Yale University

But Clark did leave a clue, a big one: he left the wall facing the yard unornamented, as if he envisioned another apartment house going up on the land.

The New York Times

Acorn is looking at two business models: one is a gamified experience geared at younger users where they will leave a clue that initiates a scavenger hunt scenario for deals, and the other is native advertising.

TechCrunch

Acorn is looking at two business models: one is a gamifyied experience geared at younger users where they will leave a clue that initiates a scavenger hunt scenario for deals, and the other is native advertising.

TechCrunch

Leave a clue.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Just before he dies, the gatekeeper leaves a clue.

The New York Times - Books

If they're out there, they haven't left a clue.

The New York Times - Books

Determining the cost of a hospital is difficult because of a wide array of variables, but Eisenhower left a clue in his early drafts by referring to a 400-bed facility.

The New York Times

When it rains up here, every seven years or so, the flowers that spring up over the Flores de los Andes are blue, as if nature itself were leaving a clue.

Independent

In her will, Mrs. Astor may have left a clue to her views on challenges to her intentions — a clause states that anyone who unsuccessfully challenges her will in surrogate's court will be dropped from it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a narrative, use the phrase "leave a clue" to subtly guide your audience or characters towards a revelation, making the discovery feel organic and rewarding.

Common error

Avoid making the clues too obvious, as this can detract from the reader's engagement and sense of discovery. Ensure the "clues" are subtle enough to require some interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave a clue" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of intentionally or unintentionally providing a hint or piece of information that can help someone discover something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave a clue" is a versatile expression that describes providing a hint or piece of information. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles. Though primarily found in narrative and descriptive contexts, its usage extends to academic and news-related writing. Related phrases like "drop a hint" or "provide a hint" can be used as alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure that the "clues" are appropriately subtle to maintain reader engagement. Overall, "leave a clue" is a valuable phrase for guiding audiences or characters toward discovery in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop a hint

Focuses on a subtle and indirect way of giving a clue.

provide a hint

Emphasizes the act of supplying a clue or indication.

give an indication

Highlights the act of signaling or pointing something out.

offer a suggestion

Implies giving a potential solution or direction.

offer a key

Expresses providing essential information to solve something.

present a lead

Suggests offering a piece of information that guides further investigation.

plant a suggestion

Implies a more deliberate and subtle placement of an idea or clue.

set a trail

Describes setting a path of clues to follow.

impart a signal

Focuses on transmitting information with a meaning.

disclose a sign

Means reveal or showing something indicates something else.

FAQs

How can I use "leave a clue" in a sentence?

You can use "leave a clue" when you want to indicate that someone is intentionally or unintentionally providing hints or information that can help solve a problem or mystery. For example, "The thief inadvertently "left a clue" at the crime scene".

What's a good alternative to "leave a clue"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "drop a hint", "provide a hint", or "give an indication".

What does it mean to "leave a clue"?

To "leave a clue" means to intentionally or unintentionally provide a piece of information or a sign that can help someone discover something or solve a problem. It implies that the information is not immediately obvious but requires some investigation or interpretation.

Is "leave a clue" formal or informal?

"Leave a clue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in narrative or descriptive writing than in highly formal academic or business documents.