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I hadn't the slightest clue vs I didn't have a clue

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning, but they differ slightly in terms of formality. 'I hadn't the slightest clue' is a bit more formal and literary, while 'I didn't have a clue' is more casual and conversational.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 19, 2024 • 8959 views

I hadn't the slightest clue

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday conversation. It has a slightly more formal tone.

This phrase is used to express that someone had no idea or knowledge about something in the past. It is more formal and literary compared to other similar expressions.

Examples:

I hadn't the slightest clue what she was talking about.
He hadn't the slightest clue how to fix the problem.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 21, 2024

Dec 26, 2018 ... "I realized (that) fruits were as deadly as poison to me, and I hadn't the slightest clue as to why." "I realized (that) fruits were as ...
Feb 26, 2018 ... I've never done it, I hadn't the slightest clue where to start, and quite frankly I was a bit intimidated at the idea of releasing my own ...
Sep 11, 2019 ... I hadn't the slightest clue in my childhood that I would become what I am as an almost functioning, almost responsible adult. A performer. I ...
Jun 11, 2018 ... ... I hadn't the slightest clue what he When and where were you officially Merged? Philadelphia, PA on April 7, 2018 How did your spouse propose ...
"When Race to Revenue started, I hadn't the slightest clue of how startups worked, how they really worked. There was an idea, sure, and because of my light ...
It was solid metal, 100% manual, super heavy, and I hadn't the slightest clue what I was doing, but so began the long path that would lead here. From Lab ...
They said, “I want her.” While at the same time, I hadn't the slightest clue they existed. In the midst of moving the household across the country, and all ...
Feb 17, 2013 ... I hadn't the slightest clue about Argentinian baking, even though one of my best friends growing up was half Argentinian, the other half ...
The truth was that I hadn't the slightest clue about the effect child-sponsorship programs had on children. Dissatisfaction with my pat answer began to ...
Oct 2, 2024 ... She began a denial, then smiled and said, “I hadn't the slightest clue.” Deepa and I were almost halfway into a six-month coaching ...

Alternatives:

I didn't have a clue
I had no idea
I was clueless
I was completely unaware
I was in the dark

I didn't have a clue

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday conversation. It has a more casual and informal tone.

This phrase is used to express that someone had no idea or knowledge about something in the past. It is a common and informal way to convey ignorance or lack of understanding.

Examples:

I didn't have a clue what was going on.
She didn't have a clue where she left her keys.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 21, 2024

Nov 22, 2022 ... I didn't have a clue how much my life would change so drastically overnight. I started this show thinking “I'm just a kid from nyc, I ...
I didn't have a clue about how to run for the Senate in 2011. I knew what I wanted to fight for, but I had no experience with press scrums, fundraising,...
Oct 6, 2014 ... ODO: have a clue [usually with negative] informal Know about something or about how to do something: I didn't have a clue what was happening ...
Jan 6, 2023 ... I didn't have a clue about exotics, just thought "this thing looks neat" and held onto it until I could repair. Screenshot.
Apr 27, 2023 ... I didn't have a clue about the topic of 'Transgender' until I interviewed Jaxon Feeley, who transitioned from being a rugby playing woman ...
Sep 1, 2021 ... i didn't have a clue of what i wanted my hair to look like but after watching inside, i've come to the conclusion that i want it to look ...
Oct 2, 2024 ... I Was Asked Why I Am So Happy, and I Didn't Have a Clue. It made me wonder if I needed a reason. Sue Reid. Publishous · Sue Reid. ·. Follow.
Aug 8, 2022 ... I ended up getting a new phone a few years ago and I didn't have a clue I could transfer the number, so I stopped using my old number and I ...
Jan 13, 2008 ... In love there's no hiding: You have to let someone know who you are, but I didn't have a clue who I was from one moment to the next.
May 21, 2022 ... ... I didn't have a clue, where I was." This was no exaggeration. AAA sold a Mexican road atlas in the United States, but it was too large to carry…

Alternatives:

I hadn't the slightest clue
I had no idea
I was clueless
I was completely unaware
I was in the dark

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