the slightest hint of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the slightest hint of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a very small or subtle indication of something, often in a negative context. Example: "She was upset, but there wasn't the slightest hint of anger in her voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The slightest hint of contemplation worried them.

The New Yorker

York tries to avoid even the slightest hint of impropriety.

The New York Times

The slightest hint of a smirk stretches across his face.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm struggling to recall the slightest hint of this infatuation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"There wasn't the slightest hint of any trouble.

The New York Times

By now there is just the slightest hint of irritation.

The Guardian

His smile had the slightest hint of melancholy.

The New York Times - Food

To say Inspector Söze will fail you for the slightest hint of an infraction is understatement.

The New York Times

There was not the slightest hint of regret in his words or in his voice.

The New Yorker

She showed not the slightest hint of nervousness or stage fright.

The New Yorker

At the slightest hint of rescue, mistaken or otherwise, Ansaru appears ready to kill its hostages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the slightest hint of" to convey a subtle presence of something, often to emphasize its near absence or to suggest potential consequences that arise even from minimal indications.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse in strictly formal or scientific writing where more precise or quantifiable terms might be preferred. Consider whether "minimal trace", "subtle indication", or a more specific measurement would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the slightest hint of" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate a minimal degree or presence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is common and grammatically sound. Examples show it used to describe subtle traces of emotions, conditions or potential problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the slightest hint of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a minimal indication or trace of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize subtlety or potential consequences. While generally suitable, writers should consider alternative phrasing in highly formal contexts for greater precision. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate the diverse applications of this phrase in conveying nuances of emotion, potential problems, or minimal presences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the faintest trace of

Emphasizes the minimal quality of the indication, similar to a very light mark.

the merest suggestion of

Highlights that the indication is just a suggestion, not a clear sign.

the smallest suspicion of

Indicates a minimal level of doubt or uncertainty.

the faintest glimmer of

Suggests a very weak or unsteady sign.

the barest minimum of

Emphasizes the extreme lack of something

a subtle indication of

Focuses on the subtlety and indirectness of the sign.

a touch of

Implies a small amount or degree of something.

a shade of

Similar to "a touch of", but often used for emotions or colors.

the ghost of

Indicates something that is almost imperceptible or fading.

an iota of

Denotes an extremely small quantity or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "the slightest hint of" in a sentence?

You can use "the slightest hint of" to describe a very subtle indication or trace of something. For example: "There wasn't "the slightest hint of" remorse in his voice", or "At "the slightest hint of" trouble, he would run away.

What are some alternatives to "the slightest hint of"?

Alternatives include "the faintest trace of", "the merest suggestion of", or "the smallest suspicion of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the slightest hint about" instead of "the slightest hint of"?

While grammatically understandable, "the slightest hint about" is less common and idiomatic than "the slightest hint of". "Of" is the preferred preposition in this context.

How does "the slightest hint of" compare to "a strong indication of"?

"The slightest hint of" suggests a very subtle and minimal indication, whereas "a strong indication of" implies a clear and noticeable sign. They are at opposite ends of a spectrum in terms of strength of evidence.