this hints at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this hints at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to suggest that something implies or indicates a particular idea or conclusion. Example: "The sudden drop in sales this quarter hints at potential issues with our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Analysts believe this hints at softness.

The New York Times

But this hints at a another, more fundamental issue.

The New York Times

This hints at another motive for the milk boom.

The Economist

Heilbron suggests, smilingly, that this hints at Jewish ancestry.

The New Yorker

This hints at another big imperative for Democrats.

The Washington Post

I think this hints at the reasons behind those statistics.

The Guardian

This hints at another big challenge: co-ordination.

The Guardian

This hints at one of the factors that undermines gratitude at work: power and pay imbalances.

University of California, Berkeley

This hints at what is the truly revolutionary potential of big data.

The New York Times

This hints at another benefit of the programme: it gets academic staff talking.

Independent

This hints at the kind of contagion spreading panic in 1997.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "this hints at" with synonyms like "this suggests" or "this implies" to maintain reader engagement and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "this hints at" when the evidence clearly proves a point. The phrase is best suited for situations where the connection is subtle or speculative, not when it's a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this hints at" functions as a transitional phrase to introduce a subtle implication or suggestion. It connects a preceding statement or observation to a potential conclusion or underlying cause. Ludwig's examples show it in use across diverse sources, thus demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

42%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this hints at" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a subtle implication or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it offers a nuanced way to connect observations to potential conclusions. While alternatives like "this suggests" or "this implies" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of directness. When using "this hints at", ensure that the implication is not overstated and that the evidence supports the suggested connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this suggests

Replaces "hints" with a more direct term, implying a slightly stronger indication.

this implies

Similar to "suggests", but can indicate a more subtle or indirect indication.

this indicates

A more formal and direct alternative, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

this signals

Implies that something is being communicated or indicated, often in a more technical or objective context.

this points to

Suggests a direction or focus, implying that the evidence leads to a particular conclusion.

this signifies

Suggests a deeper meaning or symbolic representation, often used in academic or analytical writing.

this alludes to

Indicates a subtle or indirect reference, often used when discussing literature or art.

this gives a clue to

Implies the existence of an underlying reason or a hidden solution for something.

this intimates

A more formal and less common synonym for "hints", suggesting a delicate or subtle communication.

this suggests the possibility

Emphasizes the potential or likelihood of something, rather than a direct implication.

FAQs

How can I use "this hints at" in a sentence?

Use "this hints at" to suggest an indirect connection or implication. For example, "The increase in customer complaints this month "this hints at" potential problems with our product quality."

What are some alternatives to "this hints at"?

Alternatives include "this suggests", "this implies", or "this indicates", depending on the desired level of formality and directness.

Is it better to say "this hints at" or "this proves"?

Use "this hints at" when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. Use "this proves" only when you have definitive evidence. If the evidence is strong but not absolute, consider "this strongly suggests".

What's the difference between "this hints at" and "this indicates"?

"This hints at" implies a subtle or indirect suggestion, while "this indicates" is more direct and suggests a clearer connection. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence and the desired tone.