a telling effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impact or influence that reveals important information or insights about a situation or subject. Example: "The documentary had a telling effect on the audience, prompting many to reconsider their views on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That has had a telling effect too: witness the standing ovations Elliott Carter's music now gets at symphony concerts and the rock-star popularity of John Adams and Philip Glass.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a moment I have longed for – I have an Iranian wife and two half-Iranian children – and yet I found it impossible to rejoice without reservation, because this readmission will have a telling effect on the country's greatest resource: its culture.

The Guardian

A glut of French pears, warehouses full of German sausage, rotting Polish peppers and unwanted Scottish mackerel: Russia's move to ban European food imports in retaliation for EU sanctions is having a telling effect across a continent already slouching towards another recession.

The Guardian

He said the high level of games involving the national team and the club side were having a telling effect on his health.

BBC

Sexton converted to move the European champions 17-11 clear, the added cohesion brought by O'Driscoll and company having a telling effect.

BBC

This has had a telling effect.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And by their restraint the members of Solidarity have added a hopeful new chapter to the story of nonviolence, for this is the first time that this mode of action has been used to telling effect against a totalitarian adversary.

The New Yorker

Staples used an exquisite mezza voce to telling effect.

The Guardian - Music

Sometimes, an actor stops or cues the musician to telling effect; when Weston goes to sleep on the kitchen table, the guitar segues into an eerie, dissonant lullabye.

The New York Times

The absence of Ferguson was a fillip for Hearts and one that they exploited to telling effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Ultimately, Ms. Herrera's book is saved by a Frida of its own: Mougouch, whose letters she quotes from extensively and to telling effect.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling effect" to emphasize that an action or situation not only had an impact but also revealed something important or insightful. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to highlight the revealing nature of the consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling effect" simply as a synonym for "significant effect". The phrase implies that the effect is revealing or indicative of a larger issue, not just that it's substantial. Ensure the context highlights the revealing aspect of the effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling effect" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun or serves as the subject or object of a verb, describing an impact that reveals something important. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling effect" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe an impact that is not only significant but also revealing. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous real-world examples shows that the phrase effectively conveys the idea that the effect provides important insights or underscores a larger truth. While alternatives like "significant impact" and "revealing influence" exist, using "a telling effect" adds a specific nuance that emphasizes the insightful nature of the outcome. When employing this phrase, ensure the context highlights the revealing aspect to avoid misuse. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, signaling a neutral to professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant impact

Focuses on the degree of influence rather than the revealing aspect.

a revealing influence

Highlights the insightful nature of the effect.

a marked consequence

Emphasizes the noticeable outcome or result.

a considerable impact

Stresses the substantial nature of the effect.

a noteworthy outcome

Draws attention to the importance of the result.

a striking result

Highlights the impressiveness or unexpectedness of the effect.

a profound implication

Focuses on the deep and far-reaching consequences.

a consequential development

Emphasizes the importance of the event as a result.

an important upshot

Highlights the significance of the final result.

a decisive influence

Highlights the conclusive and impactful effect.

FAQs

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

Use "a telling effect" to describe a situation where the impact of something reveals significant information or insights. For example, "The economic downturn had "a telling effect" on small businesses, exposing their vulnerability".

What are some alternatives to "a telling effect"?

You can use alternatives like "significant impact", "revealing influence", or "noteworthy outcome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a telling affect" instead of "a telling effect"?

No, it is not correct. "Effect" is a noun meaning a result or consequence, while "affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence something. Therefore, the correct phrase is ""a telling effect"".

What does "a telling effect" imply beyond just a significant result?

"A telling effect" implies that the result is not only significant but also revealing or indicative of a deeper truth or underlying issue. It suggests that the effect provides insight or understanding beyond the immediate consequence.