a telling example

USAGE SUMMARY

"a telling example" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an instance or example that is particularly illustrative or striking. For example, "The fact that the mayor resigned within 24 hours of the allegations being made is a telling example of just how serious the situation was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cambodia is a telling example.

The New York Times

The family sitcom provides a telling example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bahrain is a telling example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kaliningrad is a telling example, if extreme.

The New York Times

The airline industry provides a telling example.

Harvard Business Review

The Stanford in Washington program is a telling example.

Stanford University

His Pringles experiment is a telling example of this methodology.

The New Yorker

A telling example is Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

The Washington Post

Tells how the recent revolution in Vietnam is a telling example.

The New Yorker

A telling example is that international nongovernmental organizations are increasingly working directly with the Taliban.

The New York Times

A telling example is Ronald Reagan's tax cuts in 1981, the centerpiece of that president's agenda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a telling example", ensure that the example is directly relevant and easily understood by your audience. Avoid overly complex or obscure examples that may confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling example" to introduce an example that doesn't clearly illustrate the point you're trying to make. Ensure the example provides a clear and direct illustration, not a vague or tangential connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling example" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "example". It introduces a specific instance that is particularly illustrative and revealing, serving to clarify and support a broader argument or point as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling example" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to introduce an illustrative instance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure the example is directly relevant and easily understood by your audience to maximize its impact. Alternative phrases like "a revealing instance" or "a significant illustration" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a telling demonstration

Highlights the illustrative nature of the example.

a significant instance

Highlights the significance of the example.

a revealing instance

Highlights the informative nature of the example.

a significant illustration

Emphasizes the importance and clarity of the example.

a representative case

Focuses on the typicality of the example.

a prime illustration

Emphasizes that the example is the best or most suitable.

a striking demonstration

Suggests that the example is particularly noticeable or impressive.

an illustrative scenario

Highlights the descriptive and explanatory power of the example.

a noteworthy occurrence

Indicates that the event is worthy of attention due to its illustrative nature.

a classic instance

Implies the example is a well-known and typical case.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a telling example" in a sentence?

Introduce "a telling example" to highlight a specific instance that clarifies or supports your argument. Ensure the example is relevant and easily understood. For instance, "The company's declining sales figures are "a telling example" of the impact of poor marketing strategies".

What phrases can I use instead of "a telling example"?

You can use phrases such as "a revealing instance", "a significant illustration", or "a representative case" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes an example "telling"?

A telling example is one that is particularly illustrative or revealing, providing clear insight into a broader trend or issue. It should be easily understood and directly relevant to the point being made.

Is it better to use multiple examples or focus on "a telling example"?

The choice depends on your argument and audience. A single, well-chosen ""a telling example"" can be powerful if it clearly illustrates your point. Multiple examples can provide broader support, but may dilute the impact if they are less compelling.