show a hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show a hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide a small indication or clue about something. Example: "If you're struggling with the puzzle, feel free to show a hint to help you along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

After showing him the initial footage, Mr. Oppenheimer thought Mr. Congo might show a hint of remorse.

The New York Times

Instead, Gardenhire was red-faced and stern-voiced and did not show a hint of a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

Wilder didn't show a hint of gayness but Some Like It Hot is so abandoned, so radical, and so happy a genre entertainment that it freed countless closeted urges.

The Guardian

Mr. Shtoda may show a hint of pushed effort in the third act, but his high B in the first act makes you dream of a future Manrico: the kind of voice Verdi wanted for the role.

The New York Times - Arts

As Mr Strauss-Kahn entered the courtroom, he seemed to show a hint of his old swagger and after the ruling was made to release him from house arrest he turned and smiled to his wife, Anne Sinclair, who was behind him.

Independent

Their physiognomy and the world in which they are depicted may be utterly Indian, yet the artist's long, bold brushstrokes, the use of perspective and three-quarter profiles, the play of light across the large brown eyes and cheekbones, and the technical aspects of the work with its choice of pigments and use of lime mortar all show a hint of Hellenistic influence.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Neither material shows a hint of magnetism on its own.

Stanford University

Trousers featured kick flares, their shortened hems showing a hint of ankle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The left corner of his mouth showed a hint of a wry smile.

The New York Times

He has robust defenders, who say he has never shown a hint of racism or anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

There was a moment, though, that showed a hint of the flair that so endeared Peña to spectators last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show a hint" when you want to suggest a subtle or indirect indication of something, rather than a direct explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "show a hint" when you intend to provide a full explanation or detailed instructions. The phrase implies subtlety, so use more direct language if clarity is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show a hint" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence, often indicating the act of revealing something subtly or indirectly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show a hint" is a grammatically sound and subtly nuanced way to indicate a slight suggestion or clue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, with less frequent appearances in academic and general discussions. While versatile, it's essential to avoid using it when direct instruction is needed. Alternatives like ""give a clue"" or "offer a suggestion" can be more appropriate depending on the level of directness required. Therefore, understanding the subtle indications of "show a hint" helps you communicate with accuracy and finesse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a clue

Focuses on providing a piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery, rather than a subtle indication.

offer a suggestion

Implies providing a possible course of action or idea, not necessarily a subtle indication.

provide an inkling

Highlights the act of giving a slight suggestion or suspicion about something.

drop a clue

Suggests revealing a hint in a more casual or indirect way.

imply slightly

Emphasizes indirect communication or suggestion.

indicate subtly

Focuses on pointing something out in an understated manner.

intimate gently

Suggests communicating a hint in a delicate or careful way.

give a glimmer

Focuses on providing a brief or faint sign of something.

present a suggestion

Formal way to offer a possible solution.

reveal a sign

Highlights the act of making a sign or indication visible.

FAQs

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

You can use "show a hint" to indicate that someone is providing a subtle clue or indication. For example, "The detective decided to "give a clue" but not reveal the entire solution."

What's an alternative to "show a hint" that implies greater directness?

If you want to imply greater directness, consider using phrases like "provide an explanation" or "give a demonstration" instead of "show a hint".

When is it appropriate to use "show a hint" versus "give a clue"?

"Show a hint" is appropriate when offering a subtle suggestion, whereas ""give a clue"" suggests providing a more direct piece of information to solve a problem.

What's the difference between "show a hint" and "imply slightly"?

"Show a hint" implies a deliberate action of revealing something subtly, while "imply slightly" suggests that the hint is conveyed indirectly without explicit intent.