with a hint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a hint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is suggested or implied subtly rather than stated directly. Example: "The recipe calls for spices with a hint of cinnamon to enhance the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fashionable, but with a hint of seriousness.

Independent

I responded with a hint of trepidation.

The New York Times

Power-pop with a hint of country.

Independent

Hammer, with a hint of Vanilla Ice.

The New York Times

"They're white with a hint of color".

The New York Times

Potato salad, with a hint of celery.

The New York Times - Sports

She laughs with a hint of frustration.

The Guardian - Film

Focused, with a hint of formality.

The New York Times - Tech

"I'm really tired," she said, with a hint of embarrassment.

The New York Times

"Micah Kellner," he said, with a hint of bemusement.

The New Yorker

That's interfaith dialogue, served with a hint of one-upmanship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, aromas, or emotions, "with a hint" can create a more sophisticated and engaging reading experience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "with a hint" in your writing. Excessive use can make your descriptions sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "with a touch" or "with a trace" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a hint" functions as a prepositional modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it adds descriptive detail, indicating that a quality or element is present in a subtle or understated way. It serves to soften or qualify a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a hint" serves as a versatile prepositional modifier, primarily used to introduce subtle qualities or elements in descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability, particularly in News & Media. While highly common, avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, and consider alternatives such as "with a touch" or "with a trace" to enrich your writing. The expert rating affirms the phrase's reliability and clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a touch

Replaces "hint" with "touch", implying a delicate addition or presence.

with a suggestion

Substitutes "hint" with "suggestion", emphasizing a subtle indication.

with a trace

Uses "trace" instead of "hint", highlighting a faint presence.

with a dash

Replaces "hint" with "dash", suggesting a small amount added.

with a whisper

Emphasizes the subtlety of the presence, like a quiet suggestion.

with a shade

Implies a slight variation or degree of something.

with a tinge

Suggests a slight coloring or influence.

with a suspicion

Implicates doubt or inkling.

containing a smattering

Emphasizes a scattered, uneven distribution of something.

featuring a nuance

Implies a subtle or fine distinction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "with a hint" is used to indicate a subtle presence or suggestion of something. For example, "The sauce was sweet with a hint of spice."

What can I say instead of "with a hint"?

You can use alternatives like "with a touch", "with a trace", or "with a suggestion" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "with a hint of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "with a hint of". The phrase is commonly used to indicate a small amount or subtle presence of something.

What's the difference between "with a hint" and "with a dash"?

While both indicate a small quantity, "with a hint" suggests a subtle quality or characteristic, whereas "with a dash" typically refers to a small amount of a tangible ingredient or element.