Cool MateClue vs Hint hint
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Hint hint
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ClueMost common: Clue
| Clue | Hint hint | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //hɪnt hɪnt//🇺🇸 //hɪnt hɪnt// |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A phrase used to suggest something indirectly. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | I love this restaurant; hint hint, maybe we should come here again soon. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to, good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to, good, important, useful, contain, have, hold, clue about, clue (as) to | take a hint, drop a hint, hint at something, hint of humor |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clue' vs 'clueing in'., Using 'clue' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a clue for' instead of 'a clue to'. | Used in overly formal settings where direct communication is preferred., Assuming the listener understands the hint without additional context., Using it too frequently can come off as annoying or unclear. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clue' in detective stories, puzzles, or games. Avoid in serious academic writing, except in case studies or psychology. | Typically used in casual conversation to indicate that something is obvious. Often used when someone is trying to lead another to understand a suggestion without stating it directly. |
Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Hint hint
What's the difference between Clue and Hint hint?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint hint: A phrase used to suggest something indirectly.
Which is more formal: Clue and Hint hint?
Clue is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Clue and Hint hint?
Clue is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Hint hint: I love this restaurant; hint hint, maybe we should come here again soon.
Can I use Clue and Hint hint interchangeably?
Not always. Clue and Hint hint are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.