are telling of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are telling of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something reveals or suggests information about a particular subject or situation. Example: "The results of the study are telling of the significant impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There are three items that are telling of Mr. Jiang's ambitions: "Days until Monica Bellucci shows up on set.

The New York Times

Alas for the prince, sound political advice is not what Britain asks of its royals.The ministers' letters are telling of Blairite culture, too.

The Economist

I recognize the stories Mrs. Bachmann's staff members are telling of having to leave their boss in a dark, quiet room to sleep it off.

The New York Times

Many also complain that their strike benefits have been cut to $125 a week from $240, and are telling of being evicted and losing their cars to repossession.

The New York Times

They are telling of plucking immature cells out of recently fertilized eggs, fetuses, the skin on a human scalp or -- perhaps even more amazingly -- from the brains of people who had recently died, and growing those cells in a dish.

The New York Times - Science

And her encounters are telling of what is actually happening in China when it comes to cryptocurrency and mobile technology adoption.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Outside India, however, rather different tales are told of him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The winners are told of their prize by telephone.

The New York Times - Arts

Patients are told of risks and benefits before any procedure.

The New York Times

We are told of "vigorous and joyful intercourse" and of "rustic copulations on the hillsides".

The New York Times - Books

(Players are not penalized for testing positive, but teams are told of the results).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are telling of" when you want to convey that something provides insight or reveals information about a situation or subject. It's best used when the information is not immediately obvious but can be inferred.

Common error

While "are telling of" is acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more direct synonyms like "indicate" or "reveal" for a cleaner, more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are telling of" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a descriptive complement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and is used to indicate that something reveals or suggests information about a particular subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are telling of" is a grammatically sound expression used to suggest that certain details reveal or imply something significant. Ludwig indicates it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, although it also appears in scientific writing. While acceptable, it's advisable to consider more direct synonyms like "indicate" or "reveal" for highly formal settings. Remember to employ it when hinting at underlying meanings rather than stating obvious facts, ensuring your writing remains both informative and nuanced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are indicative of

This alternative uses 'indicative' to highlight the pointing-to or suggestive aspect, slightly more formal.

are suggestive of

This phrase uses 'suggestive' emphasizing the subtle hinting or implication of something.

are emblematic of

This alternative implies that something serves as a symbol or representation.

are demonstrative of

This phrase uses 'demonstrative' indicating a clear and obvious display of something.

are reflective of

This option emphasizes that something mirrors or shows the nature of something else.

are symptomatic of

This implies that something is a sign or symptom of a larger issue or condition.

reveal

A more direct verb replacing the entire phrase, indicating the act of making something known.

indicate

A simpler verb suggesting a pointing-out or showing of something.

show

A basic verb that replaces the phrase to express evidence or proof.

bespeak

A more formal and literary term indicating that something is evidence of something.

FAQs

What does "are telling of" mean?

The phrase "are telling of" means that something is revealing or suggestive of certain information or characteristics. It implies that there's an underlying message or indication being conveyed.

How can I use "are telling of" in a sentence?

You can use "are telling of" to describe situations where evidence or observations suggest something about a particular subject. For example: "The declining sales figures "are telling of" a shift in consumer preferences."

What are some alternatives to "are telling of"?

Alternatives to "are telling of" include "are indicative of", "are suggestive of", or simply using verbs like "indicate" or "reveal".

Is "are telling of" formal or informal?

"Are telling of" falls somewhere in the middle, it's used in professional or news contexts, but for highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "are demonstrative of" or "are indicative of".