What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cue
Example
The director gave the actor a cue to start the scene. [cue: noun]
Example
She took his silence as a cue to leave the room. [cue: signal]
Example
He hit the cue ball with precision, sinking the eight-ball in the corner pocket. [cue: noun]
clue
Example
The detective found a clue at the crime scene that led to the suspect's arrest. [clue: noun]
Example
Her sudden disappearance was a clue that something was wrong. [clue: hint]
Example
We played a game of charades where we had to act out clues to guess the movie title. [clue: hint]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clue is more commonly used than cue in everyday language, especially in the context of detective work or puzzles. Cue is less common and is more often used in specific contexts such as theater, music, or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cue and clue?
Cue is generally more formal than clue, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
