a telling note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant or revealing detail in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In her speech, she included a telling note about the challenges faced by the community, which resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Dance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is a telling note.

The New Yorker

In Ms. Hay's written dance score for "No Time to Fly," full of drawings and instructions (it is available for purchase after the show), she includes a telling note, or a command, to herself: "While dancing I make an effort not to hesitate".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One telling note about Ramsay.

Huffington Post

"They'll have a tragic story to tell," notes Miles E. Groves, chief economist at the Barry Group, a Bethesda, Md.-based marketing and communications consulting firm.

Forbes

Hard to tell, notes Kathrin Altwegg, a physicist at the University of Bern in Switzerland, because the new findings don't reveal the absolute amount of water still on Mars.

Science Magazine

There's a telling aside in which he notes: "I'd like to be an antisemite for five minutes.

The Guardian - Books

Headlines: In the O.J. Simpson case, a tell in his alleged suicide note pointed to its insincerity.

Los Angeles Times

Guy says I was left outside his door when I was a baby with a note telling him to look after me.

The Guardian - Books

If the children have been naughty, they might receive a potato or a note telling them to be good!

Huffington Post

— Glenn Collins Facebook: A customer in Seattle stiffs a waitress and leaves a note telling her to lose weight.

The New York Times

PRIYANKA GANDHI deftly works a small crowd of women, hugging a few, telling an assistant to note names of two who have a complaint.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling note" to subtly highlight a detail that reveals a larger truth or underlying issue. This phrase works best when the detail is not immediately obvious but carries significant weight.

Common error

Avoid using "a telling note" when the revealing aspect is already explicitly stated. The phrase is most effective when it encourages the reader to draw their own conclusions from the subtle clue.

Linguistic Context

"A telling note" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'telling' modifies the noun 'note'. It highlights a detail or piece of information that is particularly revealing or significant, often subtly indicating a larger issue or truth. As suggested by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a telling note" is a grammatically correct and effective way to highlight a subtle but revealing detail. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples demonstrate its application in contexts where deeper insight is desired. While not overly common, its strategic use adds depth to writing, prompting readers to consider underlying meanings. Remember to employ this phrase when you want to draw attention to a seemingly minor detail that carries significant weight, and avoid overusing it in contexts where the revealing aspect is already explicit. Alternatives such as "a significant detail" or "a revealing detail" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A telling sign

More concise version of the original phrase, replacing the word "note" with "sign"

A significant detail

Focuses on the importance of the detail, removing the implication of revelation or understated meaning.

A revealing detail

Highlights the detail's ability to uncover or expose something previously unknown.

An indicative sign

Shifts the focus to the detail as a signal or pointer towards a larger trend or conclusion.

A suggestive point

Emphasizes the detail's ability to hint at or imply something beyond its surface meaning.

A noteworthy aspect

Highlights the importance of the aspect, but not necessarily its revealing nature.

A meaningful clue

Presents the detail as a piece of evidence that helps solve a puzzle or understand a situation.

An important indication

Stresses the detail's role as a signal that something is happening or is likely to happen.

A significant marker

Highlights the importance as a signifier, but loses the nuance of revelation.

A salient feature

Highlights the notability of a particular thing, not emphasizing its revealing nature.

FAQs

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

Use "a telling note" to point out a subtle detail that reveals a deeper meaning or underlying issue. For example, "The company's declining stock prices were "a telling note" of its financial instability".

What is an alternative to "a telling note"?

Alternatives to "a telling note" include "a significant detail", "a revealing detail", or "a significant marker", depending on the context.

Is "a telling note" formal or informal?

"A telling note" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is often used in journalistic and analytical contexts.

What does "telling" mean in the phrase "a telling note"?

In "a telling note", "telling" means revealing or significant. It suggests that the note or detail provides important information or insight.