be told in full

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be told in full" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that information or a story should be communicated completely or without omission. Example: "The details of the agreement must be told in full to ensure everyone understands the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Today, Magie's story can be told in full.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The true story of UN contractors' role in human trafficking and enforced prostitution is to be told in full for the first time in a new book by a former UN human rights investigator.

Independent

What makes this so successful in this production is that the cast ensure every snippet sounds as though it is spilling over with a desire to be told in full.

The Guardian

But before we get to that latter point, we should revel in the former for a while … This week at the Dollhouse After the mention was made of Sierra having been put in the Dollhouse by a bad man in Needs (s1e8), it's been a story begging to be told in full.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That story, with its Biblical drama and Shakespearean cast of characters, remains to be told in full.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet among geoscientists, there has been a lingering sense that the story has not been told in full.

The New Yorker

The Hacked Off campaigning group, generally in favour of respect for privacy, insists that the story should have been told in full, because in not doing so the press retained power over a man who supposedly had power over them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rosler's remarkable story is told in full in his new book 'Knocking Down Walls' which also describes how he beat cancer before embarking on his managerial career.

BBC

I can understand that they would perhaps feel that "their story" is not being told in full.

Huffington Post

In honor of "The Breakfast Club's" 30th anniversary, HuffPost Entertainment talked to cast members Ally Sheedy, aka Allison Reynolds, and John Kapelos, aka janitor Carl Reed, about behind-the-scenes moments and stories that have never quite been told in full detail.

Huffington Post

All this is told in hyped-up prose, full of hard consonants and loving descriptions of the horses, cattle and other fauna of the state of Montana.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be told in full", ensure that the subsequent narrative indeed provides a complete and detailed account, avoiding any significant omissions.

Common error

Avoid using "be told in full" if the information provided subsequently lacks crucial details or context, as this can mislead the audience. If you can't provide all the information better phrase it in another way like "be partially disclosed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be told in full" functions as a passive construction indicating that a narrative or account is presented completely and without omissions. As shown by Ludwig, it emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the information shared, leaving no details behind.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be told in full" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to highlight the comprehensive nature of a narrative or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it promises a complete account, without any significant omissions. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently encountered in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of objectivity and thoroughness. Alternative phrases like "be completely revealed" or "be thoroughly explained" can be used to achieve similar effects. When using this phrase, ensure that the following narrative truly provides a complete and detailed account to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be fully disclosed

Focuses on the act of revealing information completely, often in a formal or legal context.

be completely revealed

Emphasizes the unveiling of something previously hidden or unknown, with a strong sense of thoroughness.

be thoroughly explained

Highlights the detailed and comprehensive nature of the explanation provided.

be comprehensively detailed

Stresses the extensive and all-encompassing level of detail provided in the account.

be recounted in detail

Focuses on the act of narrating or retelling something with significant attention to specifics.

be presented without omission

Emphasizes the lack of any missing or excluded information in the presentation.

be given the complete story

Highlights the act of providing all aspects and details of the story, ensuring nothing is left out.

be shared in its entirety

Emphasizes that the whole thing is shared and no part is left out.

be laid out exhaustively

Highlights a deep dive and meticulous work into explaining something.

be fully elucidated

Focuses on the act of making something clear and understandable through detailed explanation.

FAQs

What does "be told in full" mean?

The phrase "be told in full" means that a story, account, or piece of information is communicated completely, without leaving out any important details or aspects.

When is it appropriate to use "be told in full"?

It's appropriate to use "be told in full" when you want to emphasize that all aspects of a story or situation will be revealed or communicated, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.

What are some alternatives to "be told in full"?

Alternatives to "be told in full" include "be completely revealed", "be thoroughly explained", or "be comprehensively detailed". These phrases convey a similar sense of completeness and thoroughness.

Is "be told in full" formal or informal?

"Be told in full" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. It is often found in news reporting and analytical writing.