Clue vs Hint hint vs Indication

Quand utiliser chacun en anglais, avec le sens, le registre et des exemples.

Clue

Top 2000 (courant)B1noun

Hint hint

FamilierAu-delà de 10 000 (moins courant)

Indication

Top 1000 (très courant)B2noun
Le plus courant: Indication
 ClueHint hintIndication
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/🇬🇧 //hɪnt hɪnt//🇺🇸 //hɪnt hɪnt//🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/
SensA hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.A phrase used to suggest something indirectly.A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.
ExempleThe detective found an important clue at the crime scene.I love this restaurant; hint hint, maybe we should come here again soon.The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.
RegistreNeutreFamilierNeutre
FréquenceTop 2000 (courant)Au-delà de 10 000 (moins courant)Top 1000 (très courant)
Niveau CEFRB1-B2
Nature grammaticalenounnoun
Collocationsgood, 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) totake a hint, drop a hint, hint at something, hint of humorfirm, 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…
Antonymesmystery, puzzle-confusion, ambiguity
Erreurs fréquentesConfused with 'clue' vs 'clueing in'., Using 'clue' as a verb incorrectly., Saying 'a clue for' instead of 'a clue to'.Used in overly formal settings where direct communication is preferred., Assuming the listener understands the hint without additional context., Using it too frequently can come off as annoying or unclear.Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'.
Notes d'usageUse 'clue' in detective stories, puzzles, or games. Avoid in serious academic writing, except in case studies or psychology.Typically used in casual conversation to indicate that something is obvious. Often used when someone is trying to lead another to understand a suggestion without stating it directly.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.

Vois-le dans de vrais extraits

Indication

Questions fréquentes : Clue vs Hint hint vs Indication

Quelle est la différence entre Clue, Hint hint et Indication ?

Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint hint: A phrase used to suggest something indirectly. Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.

Lequel est le plus courant : Clue, Hint hint et Indication ?

Indication est le plus courant dans l'anglais de tous les jours.

Lequel est le plus avancé : Clue, Hint hint et Indication ?

Indication est le niveau le plus élevé, à B2, sur l'échelle CEFR.

Peux-tu montrer un exemple de chacun ?

Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. Hint hint: I love this restaurant; hint hint, maybe we should come here again soon. Indication: The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.

Puis-je utiliser Clue, Hint hint et Indication de façon interchangeable ?

Pas toujours. Clue, Hint hint et Indication sont proches et se recoupent parfois, mais elles diffèrent par le registre, la fréquence et l'usage, donc remplacer l'une par l'autre peut changer le sens ou le ton. Regarde les différences ci-dessus avant de substituer.

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