a tale by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tale by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce the author of a story or narrative, often in literary contexts. Example: "A Tale by Charles Dickens is a classic that has captivated readers for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It comes from a tale by Robert Graves.

The New Yorker

Based on "Cabot Caboche," a tale by Daniel Pennac.

The New York Times

Opened in 1885, Keens looks like something out of a tale by Dickens.

The New York Times

Harris retells a tale by Hardy, who "observed nothing but emptiness in the sky".

The Guardian - Books

Adapted from a tale by Tolstoy, it is as swift and wintry as a sudden frost.

The New Yorker

"Living in DUMBO, I really came in contact with the classic New York … rat," begins a tale by Tom Shillue.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was inspired in part by a tale told by an interview subject whose friend had been the victim of a racial murder in Key West.

The New York Times

Some may be offended by this ragamuffin memoir, a tale told by quite possibly the repeat of all repeat prodigals.

HuffPost

As directed by Loy Arcenas, it feels more like a tale told by a blind poet or a balladeer.

The New York Times

The story is a tale spun by a d.j.j

The New Yorker

It is also a tale tainted by scandal and intrigue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tale by" to specifically highlight the author or source of a story, especially when emphasizing their unique perspective or style.

Common error

Ensure that the author or source you are attributing the tale to is indeed the originator of the narrative, not just someone who retold it or adapted it. Verify the original source to avoid misattribution.

Linguistic Context

"A tale by" functions as a prepositional phrase used to attribute a narrative or story to its author. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct. The examples show how it's used to credit the originator of the narrative, linking the story to its creator's unique style or perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Books

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tale by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to attribute a story or narrative to its author. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and serves the purpose of providing context and attribution. It's frequently found in News & Media, Arts, and Book reviews, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure accurate attribution to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "a story by" or "a narrative by" can be used depending on the specific context. Always verify the original source of the tale to prevent misattribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a story by

Replaces "tale" with the more common synonym "story".

a narrative by

Substitutes "tale" with the more formal term "narrative".

a legend by

Replaces "tale" with "legend", implying a story of historical or mythical importance.

a recounting by

Focuses on the act of "recounting" or narrating the story.

a fable by

Replaces "tale" with "fable", implying a story with a moral lesson.

a yarn by

Uses the informal term "yarn" instead of "tale", suggesting a more casual or folksy narrative.

a chronicle by

Replaces "tale" with "chronicle", indicating a detailed and factual account.

a relation by

Uses the slightly archaic term "relation" to refer to a narrative.

a work by

Generalizes the attribution to any type of creative "work", not just a narrative.

a recitation by

Emphasizes the oral delivery or "recitation" of the tale.

FAQs

How can I use "a tale by" in a sentence?

Use "a tale by" to introduce the author or creator of a story, for example, "The play is based on "a tale by Shakespeare"".

What's a good alternative to "a tale by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a story by", "a narrative by", or "a work by".

Is it correct to say "a tale from" instead of "a tale by"?

While "a tale by" attributes authorship, "a tale from" suggests the origin or source of the story. For example, "a tale from the Brothers Grimm" indicates the story originated in their collection.

What distinguishes "a tale by" from "based on a tale by"?

"A tale by" indicates direct authorship or creation. "Based on a tale by" indicates the work is adapted or inspired by the original author's story.