does not tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not tell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something fails to provide information or communicate a message. Example: "The report does not tell us what we need to know about the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr Crick does not tell us.

The Economist

The film asks but does not tell.

The New York Times - Arts

It does not tell the whole story.

The New York Times

He does not tell many jokes.

The New York Times

He does not tell the truth.

The New York Times

She shows but does not tell.

The Guardian - Books

The exhibition does not tell us.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet that does not tell the whole story.

Independent

Even his new-look budget report does not tell all.

The Economist

It does not tell students that they matter.

The Guardian

The headline does not tell the full story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not tell", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is being withheld or omitted. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "does not tell" in overly complex sentence structures where a more direct verb like "hides" or "omits" would improve readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not tell" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of communication or disclosure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and conveys that something is not providing specific information, seen in examples like "The film asks but does not tell."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

21%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not tell" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of information or disclosure. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, with examples spanning across news, scientific, and general contexts. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, understanding its function—to highlight informational gaps—is key. Consider alternatives like "fails to mention" or "omits to say" for nuanced expression and always ensure context clarity. Avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences enhances overall readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to mention

Emphasizes an omission or failure to include information.

omits to say

Highlights the act of leaving something unsaid.

doesn't disclose

Focuses on the lack of revelation or making something known.

keeps silent about

Suggests a deliberate choice not to reveal something.

leaves unsaid

Indicates that something is implied but not explicitly stated.

refrains from saying

Implies a conscious decision to withhold information.

avoids mentioning

Suggests an active effort to steer clear of a topic.

is silent on the matter

Indicates a complete lack of comment or information on a specific issue.

provides no details on

Emphasizes the absence of specific information.

offers no explanation

Highlights the lack of reasoning or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "does not tell" in a sentence?

You can use "does not tell" to indicate that something or someone is not providing information. For example, "The report "does not tell" us the full story."

What are some alternatives to "does not tell"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fails to mention", "omits to say", or "doesn't disclose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "does not tell" or "doesn't tell"?

"Does not tell" and "doesn't tell" are both grammatically correct, but "doesn't tell" is more informal due to the contraction. Choose the form that suits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "does not tell" and "implies"?

"Does not tell" indicates a lack of explicit information, while "implies" suggests that information is communicated indirectly. Something that ""does not tell"" is not stated, whereas something that "implies" is suggested without being directly expressed.