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 actors a cue to start the scene. [cue: noun]
Example
She coughed as a cue for him to stop talking. [cue: verb]
Example
The picture on the wall was a cue for her to remember her childhood home. [cue: noun]
hint
Example
He dropped a hint about his upcoming proposal. [hint: noun]
Example
She hinted at the possibility of a promotion. [hint: verb]
Example
There was a hint of cinnamon in the apple pie. [hint: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hint is more commonly used than cue in everyday language. Hint is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cue is less common and refers to specific situations such as performances or games.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cue and hint?
Both cue and hint can be used in formal and informal contexts, but cue may be more formal due to its association with performance and game contexts.
