the only clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only clue" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the single piece of evidence or information that is available to solve a problem or answer a question. An example of using "the only clue" in a sentence could be: "The police searched the crime scene, but the only clue they found was a small piece of fabric."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The only clue?

The Guardian - Music

The only clue was that her car was missing.

The New York Times - Sports

The only clue is that the gene is similar to ones that are important in development.

The New York Times - Science

The only clue to exactly who is authorized are the letters AWM.

The New York Times

The only clue was that the disease seemed to worsen after rainy summers.

The New Yorker

It was the only clue that this was the end of something, Newell explained yesterday.

The Washington Post

The digits displayed are random, so the handwriting is the only clue to the correct answer.

MIT Technology Review

So far, the only clue is that every star, pre-death, is striking a final pose.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A letter found at his home in Stockport provided the only clue to his state of mind.

BBC

That's the only clue I'm going to give you," he wrote.

Vice

Done well, the only clue that the bird is approaching is the gradual increase in its size.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "the only clue" in your writing, ensure that it genuinely represents the most significant piece of information available, thus maximizing its impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting minor or irrelevant details as "the only clue", as this can undermine your argument and confuse readers. Always verify that the clue is indeed the most pertinent piece of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only clue" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It pinpoints a singular piece of evidence or information, emphasizing its uniqueness and importance in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only clue" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to emphasize the singularity and importance of a particular piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this and based on the frequency analysis, is primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the most significant element available and is not misapplied to trivial details. Alternatives such as "the sole lead" or "the single indication" may offer nuanced substitutions. This guide has provided insights into its proper usage, common errors to avoid, and a range of related phrases to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole lead

Replaces "clue" with "lead", emphasizing the investigative aspect.

the single indication

Substitutes "clue" with "indication", focusing on what points something out.

the only hint

Replaces "clue" with "hint", suggesting a subtle piece of information.

the one piece of evidence

Rephrases the entire expression to highlight the evidentiary nature of the clue.

the solitary piece of information

Emphasizes the isolation and uniqueness of the informational element.

the only sign

Replaces "clue" with "sign", indicating something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact or quality.

the sole indicator

Substitutes "clue" with "indicator", highlighting its role in pointing towards something.

the single key

Replaces "clue" with "key", suggesting it unlocks a solution.

the only lead

Similar to 'the sole lead', but slightly less emphatic.

the solitary guide

Substitutes "clue" with "guide", portraying it as direction.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the only clue" in a sentence?

Use "the only clue" to emphasize a single piece of evidence or information. For example, "The only clue was a footprint found near the scene."

What are some alternatives to "the only clue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the sole lead", "the single indication", or "the only hint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the only clue are" instead of "the only clue is"?

No, "the only clue is" is grammatically correct. "Clue" is singular; therefore, it requires a singular verb. "The only clue is" should always be followed by a singular noun or pronoun.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "the only clue"?

"The only clue" is appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight the singular nature of available information, such as in mysteries, investigations, or problem-solving scenarios. It is commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science".