Cool MateHint vs Reminds
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hint
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Reminds
Top 2,000 (common)
| Hint | Reminds | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/hɪnt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/hɪnt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈmaɪnd//🇺🇸 //rɪˈmaɪnd// |
| Meaning | A small clue or piece of information. | To make someone think about something again. |
| Example | She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. | She reminds me of my sister when she smiles. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | 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 | remind someone of something, remind someone to do something, constantly remind, clearly remind, gently remind |
| Antonyms | guess, certainty, statement | forgets, ignores, dismisses |
| Common mistakes | 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 'remember' - 'remind' requires a subject for the action., Omitting the 'of' after 'remind' - the correct phrase is 'remind someone of something'. |
| Usage notes | 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 when you want someone to remember something. It's neutral and can fit in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Hint vs Reminds
What's the difference between Hint and Reminds?
Hint: A small clue or piece of information. Reminds: To make someone think about something again.
Can you show an example of each?
Hint: She gave me a subtle hint about the surprise party. Reminds: She reminds me of my sister when she smiles.
Can I use Hint and Reminds interchangeably?
Not always. Hint and Reminds 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.