password hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "password hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clue or suggestion that helps someone remember their password. Example: "If you forget your password, you can use the password hint to jog your memory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the box below, type in the password hint you want to use.

The New York Times

You can then enter a user name, password, and password hint in the usual way.

The Guardian - Tech

A better approach would be to enter a password hint that has nothing to do with the question itself.

The New York Times - Tech

When prompted to create an encryption password, use a strong password and enter it twice, along with a password hint, and click Encrypt Disk.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A: If you go to log in and cannot remember your Master Password, click on this link to enter your email and have your password hint sent to you.

Cornell University

Neither LastPass nor your company has access to your Master Password and therefore cannot send you more than your password hint, so you may need to initiate the Account Recovery process.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Mr. Kocher takes a more old-fashioned approach: He keeps password hints, not the actual passwords, on a scrap of paper in his wallet.

The New York Times - Tech

The software firm - which makes Photoshop and the Flash plug-in - had encrypted the accounts' passwords, but not their usernames or password hints.

BBC

Your password hints will be as sensible to you as they are cryptic to others.

WikiHow

An informal survey conducted by VeriSign in early May found that 85% respondents compromised their passwords by providing their actual password, or hint about their password, for a $3 Starbucks gift card.

Forbes

So if you get a message from your brother or sister in which the name of the family dog is the password, the hint might read "dog's name".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "password hint", choose something memorable to you but not easily guessable by others. Avoid using personal information like names or birthdays.

Common error

Don't use a "password hint" that is too closely related to your actual password. For example, if your password is 'blue', don't make your hint 'favorite color' because it makes it too easy to guess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "password hint" functions as a noun phrase typically used to identify a clue or reminder associated with a password. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "password hint" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a clue that helps users remember their passwords. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic settings, and wikis. When creating a "password hint", it's crucial to choose something memorable but not easily guessable to maintain security. Alternatives such as "password clue" or "password reminder" can be used interchangeably. Remember to avoid obvious hints to protect your account.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

password clue

This alternative uses "clue" instead of "hint", suggesting a piece of information that helps someone remember their password.

password reminder

This alternative emphasizes the function of reminding the user of their password.

recovery question

This refers to the question asked to help recover a forgotten password.

security question

This alternative focuses on the security aspect of the question used for password recovery.

password prompt

This suggests something that appears on the screen to remind you of your password.

login hint

This focuses on using the hint during the login process.

password aid

This alternative uses "aid" to refer to assistance in remembering a password.

memory jogger

A more informal term for something that helps you remember, applied to passwords.

secret question

Highlights the confidential nature of the question and its answer.

retrieval cue

This phrase emphasizes that the hint serves as a trigger for recalling the password from memory.

FAQs

How should I use "password hint" in a sentence?

You can use "password hint" to refer to a clue that helps you remember your password, such as, "If you forget your password, you can use the "password hint" to help you remember it".

What can I say instead of "password hint"?

You can use alternatives like "password clue", "password reminder", or "security question" depending on the context.

Is it safe to use a "password hint"?

Using a "password hint" can be risky if the hint is too obvious. Make sure your hint is something only you would know or understand, and avoid using easily guessable information.

What's the difference between "password hint" and "security question"?

A "password hint" is a clue to help you remember your password, while a "security question" is a question you answer to verify your identity when you can't remember your password. The "security question" aims to verify your identity while the "password hint" serves only to remind you.