a telling indicator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling indicator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that provides significant insight or information about a situation or condition. Example: "The increase in sales is a telling indicator of the company's growing popularity among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The fact that he came to this program to play quarterback and never outwardly faltered in his belief that he was the best on the roster is a telling indicator of his confidence and that's a good indication that he'll handle the trials that lie ahead for him in the N.F.L. with poise, determination and a strong work ethic.

The New York Times

This is a telling indicator of how costs might increase under federalisation.

The Economist

The Nets' signature fast break was slow and broken tonight, a telling indicator for the rest of their game.

The New York Times - Sports

(That the low-income housing of tomorrow should be both temporary and nomadic might be, like 432 Park, a telling indicator of the city's current priorities).

The New Yorker

And as this rural corner of northeastern Japan tries to start over, his spent resilience is a telling indicator of the difficulties ahead.

The New York Times

The private gatherings are a telling indicator of how even some in the elite are worried about the course the Communist Party is charting for China's future.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But the fact that Trump has also done well among evangelical Christians in the primary states that have voted so far (in South Carolina, he won 34percentt of the white evangelical Christian vote) is a fairly telling indicator of how Hasidim will vote as well.

Vice

Doing countrywide surveys can be expensive and time-consuming, so we often use a much broader, but telling, indicator – the under-five mortality rate (U5MR).

Unicef

Consider another telling indicator.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the fact that Mr. Zardari failed to unearth the truth offers another telling indicator of the limits of civilian authority in Pakistan's fluctuating power equation.

The New York Times

One telling indicator that might not immediately come to mind is whether most of its citizens identify themselves as Democrats.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling indicator" when you want to emphasize that something provides significant insight or reveals an underlying truth about a situation. It is appropriate when the sign is clear and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling indicator" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday speech. Consider simpler alternatives like "a clear sign" or "a good indication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling indicator" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as something that reveals or indicates something important. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling indicator" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that pinpoints something revealing or insightful. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, confirms its usage across diverse contexts such as news, business, and science. While versatile, it is most suited for neutral to professional registers. Alternative phrases like "a significant indication" or "a revealing sign" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Be mindful of its formality to avoid sounding out of place in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant indication

Replaces 'telling' with 'significant', emphasizing the importance of the indicator.

a revealing sign

Uses 'revealing' instead of 'telling', focusing on the act of uncovering something.

an indicative sign

Switches to 'indicative', stressing the function of pointing something out.

a meaningful symptom

Employs 'meaningful symptom', suggesting that the indicator is a sign of a larger issue.

an eloquent pointer

Replaces 'telling' with 'eloquent', adding a nuance of expressiveness to the indicator.

a suggestive clue

Changes 'indicator' to 'clue', implying a hint or piece of information.

a demonstrative fact

Uses 'demonstrative' to show that the fact is proving something, rather than just indicating.

a noteworthy signal

Adopts 'noteworthy' and 'signal', underlining the importance and communicative aspect of the indicator.

an expressive token

Shifts to 'expressive token', focusing on the indicator as a symbol that conveys meaning.

a suggestive detail

Replaces 'indicator' with 'detail', framing the phrase as a small but significant element.

FAQs

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

You can use "a telling indicator" to point out something that reveals important information about a situation. For example, "The decrease in sales is "a telling indicator" of the company's financial struggles."

What are some alternatives to "a telling indicator"?

Alternatives include "a significant sign", "a revealing marker", or "a clear indication". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "telling indicator" formal or informal?

"Telling indicator" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for professional writing, news reports, and academic papers, but may sound out of place in very casual conversation.

What makes "a telling indicator" different from "a good indicator"?

"A telling indicator" suggests that the sign is particularly revealing or insightful. While "a good indicator" simply means the sign is useful, "a telling indicator" implies it provides a deeper understanding.