remaining hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remaining hint of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or faint trace of something that still exists after most of it has been removed or diminished. Example: "Even after the storm passed, there was a remaining hint of the strong winds that had swept through the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One way might be for the Democrats to scrub any remaining hint of docility from their reputation (though Kerry had tried to do that, and failed).

The New Yorker

But there is still one remaining hint of the life that was lived in these apartments, and then abandoned years ago, one visitor said.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once Watson was done, Watson asked a makeup artist to come over and help hide the remaining hints of smudge with concealer.

HuffPost

But there remain only hints of that storied past.

The Washington Post

Some of the church's original white plaster walls and trim work remain, leaving hints of the building's Protestant origins, but the ceiling is a vast dark space with exposed rafters.

The New York Times - Arts

Wordlessly, Ms. Garcia blotted away the offending tint, warming what remained with a hint of orange.

The New York Times

On the other hand, she said, Israeli public opinion remained overwhelmingly against any hint of leniency.

The New Yorker

Unlike the overcooked stew of summer, in this version the vegetables remain distinct, and a hint of acidity keeps things fresh tasting, even though the ingredients are cooked.

The New York Times

If it didn't match the emotion of the moment, it wasn't meant to – their faces remained impenetrable, with a hint of wryness.

The Guardian - Sport

But Mike McCudden, head of derivatives at Interactive Investor, remained cautious: Despite hints of Chinese stimulus lending some support to equities this morning, fears the Ukraine situation may escalate should attract some sellers to the bounce.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remaining hint of" when you want to emphasize the faintness and persistence of a particular quality or characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "remaining hint of" when the trace is actually quite substantial or prominent. Choose stronger wording if the element is not faint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remaining hint of" typically functions as a modifier within a sentence. It qualifies a noun by describing a subtle, lingering quality or characteristic. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remaining hint of" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich way to describe a subtle, lingering trace of something. While Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to modify nouns, emphasizing a sense of faint persistence, and it's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to consider the impact of emphasizing subtlety and persistence, and avoid overstating the significance of the remaining element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering trace of

Focuses on the persistence of a trace element.

residual indication of

Highlights the remaining sign or indication.

faint vestige of

Emphasizes the slight and often disappearing nature of the trace.

slight suggestion of

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the remaining clue.

mere shadow of

Suggests a weak or diminished resemblance.

trace amount of

Focuses on the small quantity that's left.

last vestige of

Indicates the final and smallest indication remaining.

small reminder of

Highlights the role of the trace as a memory trigger.

fleeting glimpse of

Implies a brief and quickly disappearing sign.

echo of

Suggests an impression or reverberation that's left behind.

FAQs

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

You can use "remaining hint of" to describe a slight trace or indication that something still exists, such as "Even after the rain stopped, there was a remaining hint of moisture in the air."

What are some alternatives to "remaining hint of"?

Some alternatives include "lingering trace of", "faint vestige of", or "slight suggestion of", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to use "remaining hint of"?

While "hint" already implies a small amount, "remaining" emphasizes that it's what's left after something has diminished. It's not necessarily redundant, but consider if the emphasis is needed.

What's the difference between "remaining hint of" and "slightest hint of"?

"Remaining hint of" focuses on what is left behind, while "slightest hint of" emphasizes how minimal the indication is, regardless of its origin. The former is about persistence, the latter about intensity.