Cool MateClue vs Hint hint vs Indication
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Hint hint
Indication
| Clue | Hint hint | Indication | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //hɪnt hɪnt//🇺🇸 //hɪnt hɪnt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A phrase used to suggest something indirectly. | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | I love this restaurant; hint hint, maybe we should come here again soon. | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | 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 | firm, good, strong, be, serve as, have, point to something, show something, suggest something, amid indications of, amid indications that…, indication as to, (all) the indications are that…, early indications are that…, preliminary indications are that… |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | - | confusion, ambiguity |
| 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. | Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'. |
| 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. | Used in both spoken and written contexts. It's more common in formal discussions, such as reports or presentations. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Hint hint vs Indication
What's the difference between Clue, Hint hint, and Indication?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint hint: A phrase used to suggest something indirectly. Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.
Which is more common: Clue, Hint hint, and Indication?
Indication is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clue, Hint hint, and Indication?
Indication is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
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. Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.
Can I use Clue, Hint hint, and Indication interchangeably?
Not always. Clue, Hint hint, and Indication 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.