a telling comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark that reveals important information or insight about a situation or person. Example: "Her response was a telling comment on the state of our relationship, indicating that she felt neglected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This is a telling comment.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Vanda compliments him on his thorough grasp of his play and its characters, Thomas makes a telling comment about the elusive nature of self-knowledge.

The New York Times

But, in a telling comment, Phillips said the decisions on Hampton and Rodriguez were independent and did not affect each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Henríquez's work shows only the shadow — of herself, in a similar chair — and thereby, the label says, "makes a telling comment on the assumption that Modernism in Latin America was a mere shadow of European Modernism".

The New York Times - Arts

Then, as the flashguns popped, she spelt out a telling comment on the celebrity circus - TIT - before tossing the dice again to form OUT. Elmgreen and Dragset quickly whisked her away.

The Guardian

There's a telling comment from, ironically, Anton Corbijn where he mentions arriving in the late 1970s north-west as a well-fed Dutchman and being shocked at the poverty, and being around young men who were barely fed, were thinly clothed in cold weather and existed on a diet of smoking and drinking.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In a rather telling comment, Rovio chairman and major shareholder, Kaj Hed, tells Reuters: "We used to have a corporate model with centralized decisions, but that resulted into too slow reacting in very competitive markets".

TechCrunch

Accompanied by the Garden president Dave Checketts, Coach Jeff Van Gundy and Rice, Layden then made an unsolicited and telling comment about the Knicks' new roster.

The New York Times - Sports

Sharon still believes Chrissie is innocent, but finally learns the truth when Chrissie makes an innocuous, but telling, comment.

Wikipedia

This telling comment heralded a later discussion involving education software developers, teachers and parents on a panel and in the audience.

Huffington Post

His most telling comment came in a two-second burst.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling comment" when you want to emphasize that a remark reveals something significant or provides insight into a situation or person's character. It adds weight to your observation.

Common error

Avoid using "telling" too frequently in your writing. While "a telling comment" is effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, diversify your vocabulary with synonyms like "revealing", "significant", or "insightful" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling comment" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "comment". It describes the comment as being revealing or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively highlights that the comment in question provides insight or underscores an important aspect of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling comment" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a remark that reveals something significant or insightful. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with applications in science and general discourse as well. While versatile, users should avoid overusing "telling" and consider synonyms to maintain writing clarity and impact. "A telling comment" serves to emphasize the importance of a particular statement, prompting deeper consideration of its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insightful remark

Emphasizes the depth and understanding revealed by the comment.

a revealing statement

Highlights the disclosure of information.

a significant observation

Focuses on the importance and impact of the comment.

a noteworthy remark

Emphasizes the importance of the comment.

a suggestive remark

Implies that the comment hints at something beyond its literal meaning.

an indicative comment

Highlights how the comment serves as an indicator of a broader issue or trend.

a characteristic statement

Stresses how the comment reflects typical behavior or qualities.

an illuminating observation

Focuses on the clarity and understanding the comment brings.

an expressive remark

Highlights the emotional or personal nature of the comment.

a symptomatic comment

Focuses on how the comment is a symptom of an underlying problem or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a telling comment" to describe a remark that reveals important information or insight about a situation or person. For example, "Her silence was "a telling comment" on her true feelings.".

What can I say instead of "a telling comment"?

You can use alternatives like "an insightful remark", "a revealing statement", or "a significant observation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a telling comment" or "a told comment"?

"A telling comment" is the correct phrase. "Telling" in this context means revealing or significant. "Told comment" doesn't convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "a telling comment" and "an obvious comment"?

"A telling comment" reveals something important or insightful, while "an obvious comment" is easily understood or already known. The former provides a deeper understanding, whereas the latter states the plain facts.