a tale of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tale of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a preface to an anecdote or story. For example: "Once upon a time, there was a tale of an old man and his loyal dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tale of war.

The New Yorker

"A Tale of Two Cities".

The New Yorker

A Tale Of The Christ.

Independent

This is a tale of two restaurants.

The New Yorker

Talk about a tale of two cities.

The New York Times

THIS is a tale of two cities.

The Economist

CALL it a tale of two bars.

The Economist

The Landesbanken are a tale of woe.

The Economist

This is a tale of fallen fortunes.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a tale of two Catholicisms.

The New York Times

MECHANIQUE A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by using "a tale of" to frame complex events or situations, making them more accessible and engaging for your audience.

Common error

While "a tale of" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal or technical writing. Opt for more direct and concise phrasing to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tale of" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a narrative or description. It signals that what follows is a story, account, or detailed explanation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tale of" is a versatile and frequently used introductory phrase that signals a narrative or descriptive account. As Ludwig highlights, it appears commonly in news and media, as well as academic writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, overusing it in highly formal contexts should be avoided. Consider using alternatives such as "a story about" or "an account of" to add variety to your writing. The phrase functions to engage the audience and prepare them for an upcoming narrative or description, making it a valuable tool for writers across different styles and genres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a story about

Focuses more on the narrative content, emphasizing the sequence of events and characters involved.

an account of

Highlights the factual and descriptive aspects, presenting events in a detailed and chronological order.

a narrative of

Emphasizes the storytelling aspect, suitable for conveying a complex or intricate series of events.

a description of

Centers on providing a detailed portrayal of something, focusing on its attributes and characteristics.

a chronicle of

Suggests a historical or chronological record, often used for documenting significant events over time.

a history of

Specifically relates to past events, focusing on the development and evolution of a subject.

a portrayal of

Focuses on depicting a subject, often used in art, literature, or media to represent someone or something.

a depiction of

Similar to "a portrayal of", but can also refer to a more symbolic or abstract representation.

an instance of

Refers to a specific occurrence or example, often used to illustrate a general principle or trend.

a case of

Implies a specific situation or problem, often used in legal, medical, or investigative contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "a tale of" to introduce a narrative, whether factual or fictional. For example, "This is "a tale of two cities"" or "It's "a tale of survival" against all odds".

What are some alternatives to "a tale of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a story about", "an account of", or "a narrative of". Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "a tale of" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a tale of" might be considered informal in very formal or technical contexts. In such cases, opt for more direct and concise alternatives like "a history of" or "a description of".

What's the difference between "a tale of" and "a story of"?

"A tale of" often implies a more elaborate or imaginative narrative, whereas "a story of" is a more general term that can apply to both factual and fictional accounts. The choice depends on the desired tone and the nature of the narrative.