a telling phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase that reveals important information or insight about a subject. Example: "In her speech, she used a telling phrase that highlighted the urgency of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The South African then used a telling phrase.

The Guardian - Sport

Going through the ritual motions (what a telling phrase) is less and less an option.

The Guardian - Opinion

A telling phrase crops up at key moments in both Oswald's Tale and The Executioner's Song.

The Guardian - Books

There is a telling phrase that best captures the Indian man in a relationship — whether as lover, parent or friend: not "I love you" but "Main hoon na".

The New York Times

Einstein found entanglement particularly troubling, denigrating it as "spooky action at a distance," a telling phrase, which consciously echoed the seventeenth-century disparagement of gravity.

The New Yorker

It is a telling phrase, indicative as much of Pearse's gentleness and romantic Lilliputianism as of his grand fantasies of kingship and regal splendour.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Our bill will put heads and teachers back in control, giving them a range of tough new powers to deal with bullies and the most disruptive pupils," he said last year, before he used a very telling phrase: "Heads will be able to take a zero-tolerance approach".

The Guardian

That's a very telling phrase!" Gautier thought that the devadasis might have some effect on ballet's bayadère, even wondering if Amany might dance Taglioni's role.

The Guardian

He pioneered techniques such as the ambush interview, confrontations with suspected malefactors, hidden cameras, and the echo response, repeating a particularly telling phrase from the interviewee – although this became tiresome in the mouths of lesser broadcasters.

The Guardian

Fortunately this author of a televised novel (A Very British Coup) is a lively writer with a good ear for the telling phrase and a fondness for flowers.

The Guardian - Books

"Deny your feelings, make a joke!" is the telling phrase Burr uses to shut up a man terrified during a rough internal flight to Albany.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a telling phrase" to succinctly point out a particularly revealing or insightful choice of words. It can add emphasis and direct the reader's attention to the significance of that specific expression.

Common error

While "a telling phrase" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Overuse can make your language sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a telling phrase" is to act as a noun phrase that identifies and characterizes a specific expression. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use to draw attention to particularly revealing or insightful language, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling phrase" is a useful expression to highlight a particularly revealing or insightful choice of words. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news, books and opinion pieces. While it's versatile, avoid overuse in casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "a revealing expression" or "an insightful remark" to diversify your language. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "a telling phrase" to emphasize the significance of specific expressions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revealing expression

Focuses on the act of uncovering something previously unknown or hidden.

a significant choice of words

Highlights the importance and impact of the selected vocabulary.

an insightful remark

Emphasizes the depth and understanding conveyed by the statement.

a meaningful statement

Underscores the weight and importance of the utterance.

an indicative term

Stresses the phrase's role as a sign or signal of something else.

a suggestive turn of phrase

Implies the phrase hints at something without stating it directly.

a telling turn of speech

Emphasizes the manner of speaking and its revealing nature.

a noteworthy expression

Highlights the phrase's distinction and memorability.

a remarkable observation

Focuses on the phrase's insightful and perceptive quality.

a pregnant phrase

Implies the phrase is rich with meaning and potential implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a telling phrase" to highlight a particularly revealing or insightful choice of words. For example: "The politician's use of the phrase 'economic anxiety' was "a telling phrase" that resonated with many voters."

What are some alternatives to "a telling phrase"?

You can use alternatives like "a revealing expression", "a significant choice of words", or "an insightful remark" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'a very telling phrase'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a very telling phrase". The addition of "very" simply intensifies the adjective "telling", emphasizing the phrase's revealing nature. Some examples found by Ludwig confirm that this variant is also acceptable.

What makes a phrase 'telling'?

A "telling" phrase is one that reveals something important or insightful, often unintentionally. It provides a clue or deeper understanding of a situation, person, or idea.