ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hints

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈhɪnts// UK //hˈɪnts// hints

n. small pieces of information that help you guess or understand something. You use them when you do not want to give the full answer right away.

n. indirect suggestions or pieces of information intended to guide someone toward a conclusion or solution. Often used to provide assistance without revealing a complete answer.


SIMPLE

She gave me several hints to help me solve the puzzle.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher provided a few subtle hints about the upcoming exam topics to help the students focus their revision.

COMPLEX

The detective carefully examined the room for any hints of a struggle, though the perpetrator had clearly attempted to clean the scene thoroughly before departing.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'give', 'take', or 'drop'.

Pitfall

She gave me a hint about the secret.She gave me a hint as to the secret.While 'about' is common, 'as to' or 'of' are often preferred in formal contexts to specify the nature of the hint.

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