a telling case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an example or situation that reveals important information or insights about a particular issue or topic. Example: "The study of this rare species provides a telling case of how climate change affects biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A telling case is to be found in Milan.

The New York Times

"Lebanon is a telling case," said Osama Safa, director of the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies here.

The New York Times

But more than anything else, the Bob Jones debacle is a telling case study of the importance of symbolic politics.

The New York Times

Or, as Rush Limbaugh noted the other day on his radio show, "I have never heard anybody say, 'I'm severely conservative.'" Ann Coulter's experience with Mr. Romney offers a telling case in point.

The New York Times

At the University of Wyoming, we believe our in-progress program development addresses these challenges and in so doing can function as a telling case for those seeking to position their programs as responsive to the range of constituencies with legitimate stakes in contemporary writing studies.

Computers and Composition

In a telling case that symbolizes his bigger problems, Armstrong's cable group, AT&T Broadband, must pay about $300 million a year for 21 more years to carry the number-three cable movie channel, Starz, and its suite of 13 channels.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I'd say the biggest challenge was the collapse of Catholic numbers across Europe," where "Christianity is in such free-fall in former Catholic countries, that the prognosis is not good," said Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor of history at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University, in Waco, Tex., citing Ireland as a particularly telling case.

The New York Times

A small but telling case in point is the administration's sneaky effort to reverse a Clinton rule phasing out snowmobiles from Yellowstone National Park -- a rule buttressed by overwhelming public approval and years of conscientious science.

The New York Times

Whether or not you get to keep your Oscar night outfit is a matter decided, we were told, case by case.

The New York Times

Chinese society's response to the political and cultural convulsion of the Hong Kong sex scandal offers a telling test case of how far those perceptions - this newborn freedom of the sex press - have moved.

The Guardian - Opinion

A more telling case across the Mediterranean is Spain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling case" when you want to highlight an example that reveals underlying truths or significant aspects of a situation. It's more impactful than a simple example.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling case" in extremely informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or academic in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a good example" or "a clear sign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling case" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an illustrative example or a specific instance that is particularly revealing or insightful. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is correct and serves to emphasize the significance of the example.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling case" is a noun phrase used to introduce an example or instance that is particularly revealing or insightful. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the significance of the example. It's most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts and is considered neutral to formal in register. While grammatically sound and widely understood, remember to consider the tone and formality of your writing and select "a revealing example" or "an illustrative instance", as alternatives, when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revealing example

Replaces "telling" with "revealing", emphasizing the uncovering of something previously hidden or not readily apparent.

an illustrative instance

Substitutes "telling case" with "illustrative instance", focusing on the clarification or explanation of a broader point or principle.

a significant demonstration

Replaces "telling case" with "significant demonstration", underscoring the importance or impact of the example being presented.

a noteworthy situation

Changes the phrasing to "noteworthy situation", highlighting the remarkable or interesting nature of the circumstances.

a prime illustration

Uses "prime illustration" instead of "telling case", conveying that the example is a leading or excellent instance.

a symptomatic example

Replaces "telling" with "symptomatic", suggesting that the case is indicative of a larger problem or trend.

a classic portrayal

Shifts the focus to "classic portrayal", emphasizing the typical or representative nature of the example.

a striking depiction

Changes the phrase to "striking depiction", focusing on the vividness or impressiveness of the example.

a representative model

Uses "representative model" to show the example serves as a typical or standard instance.

an informative account

Emphasizes the factual and instructive nature of the example, replacing "telling case" with "informative account".

FAQs

How can I use "a telling case" in a sentence?

You can use "a telling case" to introduce an example that reveals important information or insights about a particular situation. For instance, "The company's declining sales are "a telling case" of poor marketing strategies".

What phrases are similar to "a telling case"?

Alternatives to "a telling case" include "a revealing example", "an illustrative instance", or "a significant demonstration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a telling case" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a telling case" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing evidence or examples in analytical contexts. It suggests that the example provides a clear and insightful view of the subject.

What's the difference between "a telling case" and "a common case"?

"A telling case" refers to an example that reveals significant information, while "a common case" simply indicates that something is typical or frequent. A telling case provides insight, while a common case indicates prevalence.