a time teller

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time teller" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a device or person that tells the time, such as a clock or a watch. Example: "The antique shop had a beautiful old clock that was a true time teller, with intricate designs and a melodic chime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soon the gadget blogs were pointing readers to wristband sources and offering reviews of the device not as a music player but as a time-teller.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Ball, 52, a part-time teller, was sent out to retrieve a pizza delivery.

The New York Times

And it turns out that in the face of smartphone time tellers, the ages-old watch business is very much alive and kicking.

The New York Times

Be sure to look out for their Kickstarter campaign with their next creation, BAU 1296 that is inspired as a clean, minimalist time-teller that is a product of beauty.

HuffPost

Each year, he presides over the bank's "Wow!" awards, dispensing prizes to employees for the best part-time teller and other categories.

The New York Times

We also borrow, from poetry slams, the practice of announcing two story tellers at a time, so you will know you are next and can get your head together for the next seven minutes.

Huffington Post

The woman says 'awww', opens the till and counts notes into his hand one at a time, her finger like a fortune teller on his palm.

The Guardian - Books

News previously available on Twitter and Facebook will be limited to teasers linking followers and friends to the subscription service's registration page or to a one-time micropayment teller.

The New Yorker

A 25-year-old young woman from Glenville, she works full time as a bank teller, attends Cleveland State University full time, and does community event planning on the side.

HuffPost

For a woman with two or three kids, working full-time as a teller would leave her family at or below the poverty line.

Huffington Post

To pay for college, she worked part-time as a teller at Seattle's Rainier Bancorp.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a device whose primary function is to display the time, use more common alternatives like "clock" or "watch" instead of "a time teller" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a time teller" repeatedly in your writing. While grammatically correct, it may sound repetitive or unnatural. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "clock", "watch", or "timepiece" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a time teller" is that of a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. While Ludwig indicated that the phrase is correct, examples show that the phrase itself is not widely common.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Academia

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "a time teller" is grammatically correct but rarely used. As Ludwig pointed out, more common alternatives like "clock" or "watch" are generally preferred to clearly describe a time-indicating device. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for general descriptions, and while it isn't incorrect, choosing more conventional terms enhances clarity and naturalness. The usage patterns, although based on limited examples, suggest that this phrasing might be less common across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clock

More common and direct way to refer to an instrument for telling time.

a watch

Refers specifically to a portable time-telling device.

a timepiece

A more formal term for a device that measures time.

time indicator

Broader term, includes any method of indicating the time.

chronometer

Implies a high degree of accuracy in time measurement.

hour indicator

Focuses on the indication of hours.

daylight indicator

Indicates daylight hours, specifically.

time measuring instrument

A technical phrase that refers to time measurement.

the hour

A more informal way to tell time.

timekeeping device

Highlights the function of keeping time.

FAQs

What does "a time teller" mean?

The phrase "a time teller" refers to something or someone that indicates the time. More commonly, this is referred to as "a clock" or "a watch".

How can I use "a time teller" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, "a time teller" is not a commonly used phrase. Instead consider using terms like "timepiece" or "watch".

What are some synonyms for "a time teller"?

Synonyms for "a time teller" include "a clock", "a watch", or "a timepiece". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a time teller" formal or informal?

The phrase "a time teller" can be considered relatively neutral, although it's not as frequently used in formal contexts as "timepiece", nor as common in everyday speech as "a clock" or "a watch".