Cool MateClue vs Signal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Signal
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Signal
| Clue | Signal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A sign or message that tells someone something. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| 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 | 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 |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | noise, silence |
| 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 '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'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clue' in detective stories, puzzles, or games. Avoid in serious academic writing, except in case studies or psychology. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical settings, it may refer to electromagnetic signals or communication. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Signal
What's the difference between Clue and Signal?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Signal: A sign or message that tells someone something.
Which is more common: Clue and Signal?
Signal is the most common in everyday English.
Are Clue and Signal the same CEFR level?
Clue: B1, Signal: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clue and Signal?
Clue: noun, Signal: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Signal: The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news.
Can I use Clue and Signal interchangeably?
Not always. Clue and Signal 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.