Cool MateClue vs Hint
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clue
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Hint
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
| Clue | Hint | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/ |
| Meaning | A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. | A small clue or piece of information. |
| Example | The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. | She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| 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 | 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 |
| Antonyms | mystery, puzzle | guess, certainty, statement |
| 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'. |
| 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clue vs Hint
What's the difference between Clue and Hint?
Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint: A small clue or piece of information.
Which is more advanced: Clue and Hint?
Hint is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clue and Hint the same CEFR level?
Clue: B1, Hint: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clue and Hint?
Clue: noun, Hint: 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.
Can I use Clue and Hint interchangeably?
Not always. Clue and Hint 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.