Cool MateClue vs Tip
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Tip
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Most common: Tip
| Clue | Tip | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tɪp/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɪp/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A small amount of money given for a service. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | She left a tip for the waiter because the service was excellent. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| 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 | 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 | 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'. | 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 '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 Tip
What's the difference between Clue and Tip?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Tip: A small amount of money given for a service.
Which is more common: Clue and Tip?
Tip is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clue and Tip?
Clue is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clue and Tip the same CEFR level?
Clue: B1, Tip: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clue and Tip?
Clue: noun, Tip: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Tip: She left a tip for the waiter because the service was excellent.
Can I use Clue and Tip interchangeably?
Not always. Clue 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.