Cool MateHint vs Indication
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hint
Indication
| Hint | Indication | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A small clue or piece of information. | A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. |
| Example | She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. | The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | 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 | 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 | guess, certainty, statement | confusion, ambiguity |
| Common mistakes | 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 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'. |
| Usage notes | 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. | 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: Hint vs Indication
What's the difference between Hint and Indication?
Hint: A small clue or piece of information. Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.
Which is more common: Hint and Indication?
Indication is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Hint and Indication?
Hint is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Hint and Indication the same CEFR level?
Hint: C1, Indication: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Hint and Indication?
Hint: noun, Indication: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Hint: She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.
Can I use Hint and Indication interchangeably?
Not always. 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.