offer a clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer a clue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone provides a hint or piece of information that helps to solve a problem or mystery. Example: "The detective was able to offer a clue that led to the resolution of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe these two mice offer a clue.

The New York Times

Recent changes in the army may offer a clue.

The Economist

If the country's name did not offer a clue, no one would know where it was.

The Economist

The badges and bumper stickers at CPAC offer a clue as to why.

The Economist

If round gobies offer a clue, the answer is not simple.

The New York Times

The opening, autobiographical portion of the book may offer a clue.

The New York Times - Books

The words "written and directed by John Turturro" offer a clue.

The Guardian - Film

Certain threads running through Obama's career offer a clue as to her potential future causes.

The Guardian

"This resulted in my asking, 'How do you "fill in" a missing limb?' " Pons's monkeys seemed to offer a clue.

The New Yorker

But his experiences did not offer a clue to a reliable elixir anxiously sought by long-lifeists.

The Economist

The trouble she had with her last play, "Family Week," may offer a clue as to why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offer a clue", ensure the context clearly establishes what the clue pertains to and its relevance to the situation. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "offer a clue" without specifying what the clue relates to. A vague clue can confuse readers and diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer a clue" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a piece of information intended to help someone understand or solve a problem. It sets the stage for discovering something hidden or not immediately obvious. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "offer a clue" is a versatile and common expression used to suggest providing a hint or piece of information that aids in solving a problem or mystery. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicate its widespread acceptance and utility in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives such as "provide a hint" or "give a suggestion" exist, "offer a clue" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying the idea of presenting an informative suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a hint

Replaces "offer" with "provide", emphasizing the act of giving.

give a suggestion

Substitutes "clue" with "suggestion", indicating a less direct piece of information.

present a lead

Uses "lead" instead of "clue", implying a more significant piece of information.

furnish an insight

Replaces "offer a clue" with a more formal expression.

supply a key

Uses "key" to represent a crucial piece of information.

impart a notion

Implies a subtle communication of an idea.

drop a hint

More casual way to say "offer a clue", usually implies it's done subtly.

give an inkling

Offer a slight suggestion or hint.

hint at a solution

Indicates indirectly suggesting a resolution.

point to an answer

Suggests directing attention toward a solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "offer a clue" when suggesting that something provides a hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. For instance, "The evidence may "offer a clue" to the suspect's identity."

What are some alternatives to "offer a clue"?

Alternatives include "provide a hint", "give a suggestion", or "present a lead", depending on the context and the level of detail you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "offer a clue" or "give a clue"?

Both "offer a clue" and "give a clue" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you aim to achieve. "Offer" might sound slightly more formal than "give".

What's the difference between "offer a clue" and "offer an explanation"?

"Offer a clue" suggests providing a hint that helps solve a mystery or problem, whereas "offer an explanation" involves providing a detailed account or reason for something. They serve different communicative purposes.