significant clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant clue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important piece of information that helps to solve a problem or mystery. Example: "The detective found a significant clue that led to the resolution of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In this connection, visual coding is a significant clue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That was a significant clue about what was to come.

The New York Times

There was at least one significant clue in the letters about who might have sent them.

The New York Times

Officers removed several items from one property, including computers, and what one investigator said "may be a very significant clue".

The Guardian

The Prime Minister can wait for one more significant clue before making up his mind about June.

The New York Times

But there's one more artifact in her Skybrary that strikes me as an even more significant clue.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

By the summer of 2011, he had found some significant clues.

The New Yorker

He called it "a good sample" and judged that the agency had missed no significant clues.

The New York Times

There are only faint but significant clues as to how he felt.

The Guardian - Books

The relative abundances of the chemical elements provide significant clues regarding their origin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Azores archipelago has provided significant clues to the ecological, biogeographic and evolutionary knowledge of oceanic islands.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant clue", ensure the clue's relevance is clear to the context of your writing. Clearly explain why the clue is significant and how it contributes to understanding or solving a problem.

Common error

Avoid labeling something a "significant clue" if its importance is not immediately apparent or if it doesn't genuinely advance the understanding of the situation. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant clue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'significant' modifies the noun 'clue'. It serves to identify a particular piece of information as important or noteworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant clue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an important piece of information that helps solve a problem or unravel a mystery. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a valid and useful phrase in English writing. It appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "crucial piece of evidence" or "key indicator" exist, "significant clue" effectively conveys the importance of a particular detail. When employing this phrase, ensure the relevance of the clue is apparent and avoid overstating its impact, as the over-usage of this phrase can reduce its overall impact. It is best used when its importance or impact has been already made clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial piece of evidence

Replaces 'clue' with 'evidence', emphasizing the legal or factual nature of the information.

key indicator

Focuses on the signal or sign aspect of the information.

vital lead

Highlights the importance of the clue as a starting point for investigation.

important indicator

Uses indicator to suggest that it is pointing to the right direction or outcome, emphasizes the importance of the indication.

major breakthrough

Emphasizes that the clue could lead to a meaningful discovery or advancement.

telling sign

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the clue.

critical insight

Highlights the understanding gained from the clue.

noteworthy indication

Stresses the deserving attention of the clue.

primary indication

Highlights the indication as the main source for a bigger image.

substantial hint

Substitutes 'clue' with 'hint', indicating a more subtle piece of information.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "significant clue" in a sentence?

To effectively use "significant clue", place it in a sentence that highlights its impact on solving a problem or understanding a situation. For example, "The detective found a "significant clue" that led to the arrest of the suspect".

What are some alternatives to "significant clue"?

Alternatives to "significant clue" include "crucial piece of evidence", "key indicator", or "vital lead", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "significant clue" and a "hint"?

Yes, a ""significant clue"" implies a more substantial and important piece of information compared to a "hint", which is generally more subtle and indirect.

Can "significant clue" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "significant clue" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts such as academic papers, reports, or legal documents, where precision and clarity are essential.