Cool MateClues vs Evidence vs Hint vs Indicator vs Signal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clues
Top 2,000 (common)
Evidence
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Hint
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Indicator
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Signal
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Clues | Evidence | Hint | Indicator | Signal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kluːz//🇺🇸 //kluːz// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɛvɪdəns//🇺🇸 //ˈɛvɪdəns// | 🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪɡnəl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Hints that help you solve a problem or mystery. | Proof or information that shows something is true. | A small clue or piece of information. | Something that shows or points out a condition or situation. | A sign or message that tells someone something. |
| Example | The detective found several useful clues at the scene of the crime. | The detective found important evidence at the crime scene. | She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. | The economic indicators are better than expected. | The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 | C1 | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | give clues, follow clues, find clues, provide clues, search for clues | provide evidence, gather evidence, in court as evidence | big, 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 on | accurate, good, reliable, be, serve as, provide (somebody with), point to something, show something, suggest something, indicator for | 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 for |
| Antonyms | obscurity, mystery | doubt, disbelief, uncertainty | guess, certainty, statement | misleading sign, confusion | noise, silence |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'clue' as singular with 'clues' as plural., Using 'clues' in non-mystery contexts without proper explanation., Mixing 'clue' with unrelated terms like evidence. | Confusing 'evidence' with 'advise' which has a different meaning., Using 'evidences' as a plural form, which is incorrect., Mixing up 'evidence' with 'evidence of' when describing specific proof. | 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'. | Confusing 'indicator' with 'indicator light' which is a more specific term., Using 'indicate' as a noun instead of 'indicator'., Mistaking it for a verb and using it incorrectly in sentences. | 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'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clues' in contexts like solving puzzles or mysteries. Avoid in formal writing without proper context. | Used in formal contexts like court or research. Avoid in casual conversations unless specifically discussing proof. | 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 formal and informal contexts to refer to signs or signals of something. Avoid using in overly casual speech. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical settings, it may refer to electromagnetic signals or communication. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clues vs Evidence vs Hint vs Indicator vs Signal
What's the difference between Clues, Evidence, Hint, Indicator, and Signal?
Clues: Hints that help you solve a problem or mystery. Evidence: Proof or information that shows something is true. Hint: A small clue or piece of information. Indicator: Something that shows or points out a condition or situation. Signal: A sign or message that tells someone something.
Can you show an example of each?
Clues: The detective found several useful clues at the scene of the crime. Evidence: The detective found important evidence at the crime scene. Hint: She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. Indicator: The economic indicators are better than expected. Signal: The radio signal was weak, making it difficult to hear the news.
Can I use Clues, Evidence, Hint, Indicator, and Signal interchangeably?
Not always. Clues, Evidence, Hint, Indicator, and Signal are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.