Clue vs Hint vs Indication vs Signal vs Suggestion

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

Clue

Top 2000 (courant)B1noun

Hint

Top 2000 (courant)C1noun

Indication

Top 1000 (très courant)B2noun

Signal

Top 1000 (très courant)B1noun

Suggestion

Top 2000 (courant)A2noun
 ClueHintIndicationSignalSuggestion
Prononciation🇬🇧 /["/kluː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kluː/"]/🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇬🇧 /["/səˈdʒestʃən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈdʒestʃən//səɡˈdʒestʃən/"]/
SensA hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.A small clue or piece of information.A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen.A sign or message that tells someone something.An idea that you give to someone about what they could do.
ExempleThe detective found an important clue at the crime scene.She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party.The sudden drop in temperature is an indication that a storm is approaching.The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news.I have a suggestion for our next project that I believe will improve our results.
RegistreNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutreNeutre
FréquenceTop 2000 (courant)Top 2000 (courant)Top 1000 (très courant)Top 1000 (très courant)Top 2000 (courant)
Niveau CEFRB1C1B2B1A2
Nature grammaticalenounnounnounnounnoun
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) tobig, 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 onfirm, 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…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 forconstructive, excellent, good, have, come up with, give somebody, box, at the suggestion of, suggestion about, suggestion as to, amid suggestions that…, be open to suggestion, be open to suggestions, constructive, excellent, good, have, come up with, give somebody, box, at the suggestion of, suggestion about, suggestion as to, amid suggestions that…, be open to suggestion, be open to suggestions, implicit, hypnotic, by suggestion, through suggestion, the power of suggestion, faint, mere, slightest, carry, have, at the suggestion of, suggestion of
Antonymesmystery, puzzleguess, certainty, statementconfusion, ambiguitynoise, silencedisapproval, rejection
Erreurs fréquentesConfused 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'.Confused with 'indicate' as a verb., Using 'indication' without a clear object or context., Mixing up 'indication' with similar-sounding words like 'indecision'.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'.Using 'suggestion' when a more forceful term like 'order' is needed., Confusing 'suggestion' with 'suggestive,' which has a different meaning., Saying 'give a suggestion' instead of 'make a suggestion.'
Notes d'usageUse '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.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.Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical settings, it may refer to electromagnetic signals or communication. Avoid in very casual conversations.Use 'suggestion' in both casual and formal contexts. It’s appropriate when offering advice or ideas but should be avoided in situations requiring direct commands or instructions.

Vois-le dans de vrais extraits

Indication

Questions fréquentes : Clue vs Hint vs Indication vs Signal vs Suggestion

Quelle est la différence entre Clue, Hint, Indication, Signal et Suggestion ?

Clue: A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery. Hint: A small clue or piece of information. Indication: A sign or suggestion that something is true or might happen. Signal: A sign or message that tells someone something. Suggestion: An idea that you give to someone about what they could do.

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

Hint est le niveau le plus élevé, à C1, sur l'échelle CEFR.

Clue, Hint, Indication, Signal et Suggestion sont-ils au même niveau CEFR ?

Clue: B1, Hint: C1, Indication: B2, Signal: B1, Suggestion: A2 sur l'échelle CEFR.

Quelle est la nature grammaticale de Clue, Hint, Indication, Signal et Suggestion ?

Clue: noun, Hint: noun, Indication: noun, Signal: noun, Suggestion: noun.

Peux-tu montrer un exemple de chacun ?

Clue: The detective found an important clue at the crime scene. 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. Signal: The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. Suggestion: I have a suggestion for our next project that I believe will improve our results.

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

Pas toujours. Clue, Hint, Indication, Signal et Suggestion 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.

Comparaisons associées