Cool MateClue vs Hint vs Signal vs Suggestion vs Tip
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Hint
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Signal
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Suggestion
Top 2,000 (common)A2noun
Tip
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Clue | Hint | Signal | Suggestion | Tip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈdʒestʃən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈdʒestʃən//səɡˈdʒestʃən/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tɪp/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɪp/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A small clue or piece of information. | A sign or message that tells someone something. | An idea that you give to someone about what they could do. | A small amount of money given for a service. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. | The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. | I have a suggestion for our next project that I believe will improve our results. | She left a tip for the waiter because the service was excellent. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 | B1 | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | 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 | big, broad, clear, drop, give (somebody), catch, hint about, hint from, hint to, big, broad, clear, drop, give (somebody), catch, hint about, hint from, hint to, strong, barest, faint, detect, notice, sense, hint of, at the first hint of something, handy, helpful, practical, give (somebody), offer (somebody), hint about, hint on | clear, unmistakable, agreed, give (somebody), make, send, come from something, indicate something, at a signal, on a signal, signal for, railroad, railway, traffic, operate, be on red/green, be red/green, fail, box, failure, faint, weak, strong, carry, pass, relay, travel, fade, intensity, strength, signal from, signal to, clear, unmistakable, agreed, give (somebody), make, send, come from something, indicate something, at a signal, on a signal, signal for | constructive, excellent, good, have, come up with, give somebody, box, at the suggestion of, suggestion about, suggestion as to, amid suggestions that…, be open to suggestion, be open to suggestions, constructive, excellent, good, have, come up with, give somebody, box, at the suggestion of, suggestion about, suggestion as to, amid suggestions that…, be open to suggestion, be open to suggestions, implicit, hypnotic, by suggestion, through suggestion, the power of suggestion, faint, mere, slightest, carry, have, at the suggestion of, suggestion of | good, handy, helpful, have, give somebody, offer (somebody), tip for, tip on, good, handy, helpful, have, give somebody, offer (somebody), tip for, tip on, good, handy, helpful, have, give somebody, offer (somebody), tip for, tip on, big, generous, good, give somebody, leave somebody, get, northern, etc., pointed, tip of, northern, etc., pointed, tip of |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | guess, certainty, statement | noise, silence | disapproval, rejection | withhold, refuse |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clue' vs 'clueing in'., Using 'clue' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a clue for' instead of 'a clue to'. | Confused with 'hint' as a noun and a verb., Using 'hint' in formal contexts where a clearer statement is better., Forgetting to use 'at' or 'about' after 'hint'. | Confused with 'sign' — remember 'signal' is an act of sending a message., Using the wrong preposition, e.g., 'signal to' instead of 'signal for'., Mispronunciation, often saying 'sig-nal' instead of 'sig-nuhl'. | Using 'suggestion' when a more forceful term like 'order' is needed., Confusing 'suggestion' with 'suggestive,' which has a different meaning., Saying 'give a suggestion' instead of 'make a suggestion.' | Confusing 'tip' as a piece of advice instead of money., Forgetting to tip in cultures where it's expected., Using 'tipped' as a noun instead of a verb. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clue' in detective stories, puzzles, or games. Avoid in serious academic writing, except in case studies or psychology. | Use 'hint' when suggesting something indirectly. It's more formal in writing and more casual in conversation. Avoid using it in situations that require direct communication. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical settings, it may refer to electromagnetic signals or communication. Avoid in very casual conversations. | Use 'suggestion' in both casual and formal contexts. It’s appropriate when offering advice or ideas but should be avoided in situations requiring direct commands or instructions. | Use 'tip' when paying for services like in restaurants, bars, or for taxi drivers. It's usually 10-20% of the total bill. Avoid using it in very formal settings where tipping isn't common. |
Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Hint vs Signal vs Suggestion vs Tip
What's the difference between Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint: A small clue or piece of information. Signal: A sign or message that tells someone something. Suggestion: An idea that you give to someone about what they could do. Tip: A small amount of money given for a service.
Which is more advanced: Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip?
Hint is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip the same CEFR level?
Clue: B1, Hint: C1, Signal: B1, Suggestion: A2, Tip: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip?
Clue: noun, Hint: noun, Signal: noun, Suggestion: noun, Tip: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Hint: She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. Signal: The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. Suggestion: I have a suggestion for our next project that I believe will improve our results. Tip: She left a tip for the waiter because the service was excellent.
Can I use Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip interchangeably?
Not always. Clue, Hint, Signal, Suggestion, and Tip 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.