palpable hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "palpable hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hint that is very clear or easily perceived, often in contexts where subtlety is not present. Example: "The teacher gave a palpable hint about the upcoming exam topics, making it clear what students should focus on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a palpable hint of menace lay beneath the veneer of gentility.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While the first was gooey with Jack Daniels-infused barbecue sauce, it had a pleasingly piquant flavor, though no hint of bourbon was palpable through the goo.

The New York Times

And yet, it's beautifully done, with palpable affection for the songs, airy whimsy and perhaps a hint of mischief.

The Guardian - Music

Throughout "Chapa Quente" there is palpable tension in which the movement, with the forceful jut of a leg or an arm, becomes threatening, almost hinting that a fight is about to break out.

The New York Times - Arts

(Hint, hint).

The New York Times

"Hint, hint, Bill Rapp".

The New York Times

Palpable nonsense.

Independent

(Hint: cutspendingshrinkgovernmentrepealObamacare).

The New York Times

(Hint: No).

The New York Times

The shock is palpable.

University of California, Berkeley

When he speaks -- with a hint of his native India and a lot of the pear-shaped tones and rolling R's of a veteran Shakespearean -- you can share his palpable excitement over confronting some of the baffling brain abnormalities.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "palpable hint" when you want to convey that a suggestion or indication is easily noticeable, even if it's not explicitly stated. It adds a sense of tangible presence to the hint.

Common error

Avoid using "palpable hint" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly informal or cliché. Opt for more precise terms like "clear indication" or "obvious suggestion" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "palpable hint" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "palpable" modifies "hint" to emphasize its noticeable quality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, serving to describe something easily perceived.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "palpable hint" is a grammatically correct adjective-noun combination used to describe a suggestion or indication that is easily noticeable. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English and appropriate for describing a hint that is very clear or easily perceived. While the phrase is less common, its usage is mostly concentrated in news and media contexts. If a more formal or technical tone is required, consider replacing "palpable hint" with alternatives such as "clear indication" or "obvious suggestion". Be mindful of overusing it, especially in highly formal contexts, where precision is valued over descriptive flair.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear indication

Focuses on the clarity of the indication, making it easily recognizable.

obvious suggestion

Replaces "palpable" with "obvious", indicating a more direct and easily understood suggestion.

distinct suggestion

Indicates a clear and unambiguous suggestion.

evident sign

Highlights the visibility and recognizability of the sign.

detectable indication

Highlights that the indication can be easily detected or noticed.

noticeable clue

Emphasizes that the clue is easy to spot and hard to miss.

perceptible clue

Focuses on the ability to perceive or notice the clue.

unmistakable trace

Suggests a very clear and easily identifiable trace or sign.

tangible sign

Suggests a concrete and easily recognizable sign.

unsubtle suggestion

Emphasizes the lack of subtlety in the suggestion, making it very clear.

FAQs

How can I use "palpable hint" in a sentence?

You can use "palpable hint" to describe something that is easily perceived or noticed, such as "There was a "palpable hint" of tension in the room before the meeting began".

What's the difference between "palpable hint" and "obvious clue"?

"Palpable hint" suggests something noticeable yet perhaps understated, whereas "obvious clue" implies something much more direct and easily recognizable. An "obvious clue" is hard to miss, while a "palpable hint" might require a bit more awareness to pick up on.

What are some alternatives to using "palpable hint"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "clear indication", "evident sign", or "noticeable clue". Each of these phrases conveys a similar meaning but with slightly different nuances.

Is "palpable hint" too informal for academic writing?

While grammatically sound, "palpable hint" might be perceived as slightly less formal. In academic writing, consider using phrases like "clear indication" or "discernible suggestion" to maintain a more professional tone.