a telling sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a telling sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a clear indication or evidence of a particular situation or condition. Example: "The sudden drop in sales was a telling sign that the product was not meeting customer expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Romney reinforcements arriving here are a telling sign of a new engagement.

The New York Times

A telling sign would be if they started to buy prosecco-making wineries.

The Economist

It's a telling sign of just how popular the issue is with the party's base.

The Washington Post

In past recessions, a slowdown in the rate of job loss has been a telling sign.

The New York Times

The state of coral reefs is a telling sign of the health of the seas.

The New York Times - Science

"That's a telling sign of a lack of aggression," Knicks Coach Don Chaney said.

The New York Times - Sports

For the Brooklyn-based comedian, this is a telling sign of the times we live in.

The Guardian

Yet in a telling sign of the complexities of Burmese society, his hard-driving music is popular with civil servants.

The New York Times

The Congress Party's failure to agree on a parliamentary leader was a telling sign of its post-election muddle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That was a telling sign for us that the animals are here," Mr Skomal said.

Independent

Death threats are usually a telling sign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a telling sign", ensure the connection between the sign and what it indicates is clear and logical to maintain the strength of your argument or observation.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a telling sign" as definitive proof. It's usually an indication or piece of evidence, not an absolute guarantee. Use qualifying language to reflect its true weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a telling sign" functions as a noun phrase that highlights something indicative or revealing. It often introduces a statement about an observation that suggests a larger trend or underlying truth. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a telling sign" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase employed to highlight a revealing indicator. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly found in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Economist. It serves to draw attention to details suggesting a deeper significance or underlying trend. While alternatives exist, such as "a revealing indication" or "a significant indicator", "a telling sign" remains a versatile and effective choice for emphasizing the importance of an observation. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatement of its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revealing indication

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the sign, suggesting it uncovers something previously hidden.

a significant indicator

Highlights the importance and weight of the sign as a pointer towards something else.

an important clue

Suggests the sign is a piece of evidence that helps solve a puzzle or understand a situation.

a telling clue

Similar to "an important clue" but perhaps slightly less emphatic.

a noteworthy symptom

Implies the sign is a manifestation of an underlying problem or condition, often in a medical or abstract sense.

a meaningful signal

Suggests the sign is a form of communication or indication with deeper implications.

a demonstrative sign

Highlights that the sign clearly shows or proves something.

an expressive indication

Focuses on how the sign conveys a particular feeling or idea.

a suggestive hint

Emphasizes that the sign subtly implies something without stating it directly.

a significant omen

Connects the sign to a future event or outcome, often with a sense of foreboding or importance.

FAQs

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

Use "a telling sign" to introduce an observation that reveals a deeper truth or trend. For example, "The decrease in volunteer sign-ups was a telling sign of community disengagement."

What are some alternatives to "a telling sign"?

You can use alternatives like "a revealing indication", "a significant indicator", or "an important clue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a telling sign" and "an obvious sign"?

"A telling sign" implies a deeper, perhaps initially hidden meaning or implication, while "an obvious sign" is immediately apparent and requires less interpretation.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a telling sign"?

It might be misleading to use "a telling sign" if the connection between the sign and its purported meaning is weak or unsupported. Ensure there's a clear and logical relationship.