is a telling instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a telling instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a specific example that reveals important information or insight about a situation or topic. Example: "The sudden increase in sales during the holiday season is a telling instance of consumer behavior trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the proposed restoration of full relations with Egypt, the first Arab state to make formal peace with Israel, is a telling instance of Iran's new pragmatism.From their lair in the parliament building, the reformists view all this with wry amusement.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ray Velcoro escaped from a similarly sticky situation, although in that instance there was a telling lack of blood.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The arrests, she told me, were a clear instance of authorities using the trials against the deep state to silence dissent; at the time, journalists responded with expressions of anger and solidarity, but to do so they often had to put aside their feelings about the accused.

The New Yorker

If we're told he is a poor communicator, for instance, we press for specifics: Does he interrupt people?

Harvard Business Review

One telling instance is a vitrine containing faience hippopotamuses, pretty little sky-blue creatures that resemble trinkets or children's toys.

The New York Times - Arts

It is telling, for instance, that Dorothy prevents the under-age Victoria from having a glass of sherry, even when Edwin Samm Kelly, Dorothyy's older brother and so the girl's bespectacled and benign uncle, has allowed such a treat.

The New York Times - Arts

It is telling, for instance, that LRA attacks occur largely in Bangadi, Ngilima and Niangara where there are no U.N. troops.

Huffington Post

For instance, being told that Michael Gove is still technically justice secretary is a bit like being told that Ariel Sharon was still alive seven years after he went into the coma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seen from our vantage point nearly a century on, "Outward Bound" reads as an English dramatist's occasionally ruthless examination of his own environs; it's telling, for instance, that the most ardent encomium to England is voiced by Mrs. Cliveden-Banks, who is the scariest embodiment of her adored country at its most class-bound.

The New York Times - Arts

It was telling, for instance, that the best player on the pitch at Celtic Park - Charlie Mulgrew - looked heavy-legged in the closing exchanges.

BBC

We are told, for instance, that a manipulator arm would involve 4,000,000 atoms, but we are not told which atoms, or how they would be put together".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a telling instance" to draw attention to a specific example that provides significant insight into a broader trend or concept. It's most effective when the example clearly illustrates the point you're making.

Common error

Avoid using "is a telling instance" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for simpler, more direct language when a less emphatic example is sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a telling instance" functions as a connector used to introduce an illustrative example that reveals or highlights a significant aspect of the topic under discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, it emphasizes the importance of a particular occurrence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Arts

33%

Opinion

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a telling instance" is a phrase used to introduce a specific example that reveals significant insight. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly appears in News & Media and Arts sources. While it is not the most frequent expression, it is a useful tool for emphasizing key examples in writing. Consider alternatives such as "is a significant example" for variety, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing. Overall, this phrase can enhance your argument's strength when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a significant example

Replaces "telling" with "significant", emphasizing importance but with a slightly different nuance.

is a revealing case

Substitutes "telling instance" with "revealing case", focusing on the act of unveiling something.

is an indicative situation

Uses "indicative situation" instead of "telling instance", highlighting the role of the situation as an indicator.

is a noteworthy illustration

Replaces the original phrase to denote a remarkable illustration of the subject matter at hand.

is a prime demonstration

Uses "prime demonstration" to indicate a primary and clear showing of something.

is a clear manifestation

Replaces the original phrase with a term that suggests an evident appearance or display.

is a striking depiction

Emphasizes the visual or memorable aspect of the example by calling it a striking depiction.

is an eye-opening occurrence

Replaces the phrase to suggest the incident reveals surprising or unexpected information.

is an enlightening episode

Changes the phrase to suggest that the incident contributes to one's understanding.

is a representative sample

Indicates that the instance exemplifies a broader trend or category, shifting the focus from revelation to representation.

FAQs

How can I use "is a telling instance" in a sentence?

Use "is a telling instance" to introduce a specific example that clearly illustrates a broader point or trend. For example, "The company's declining profits this quarter is a telling instance of the challenges facing the industry".

What can I say instead of "is a telling instance"?

You can use alternatives like "is a significant example", "is a revealing case", or "is an indicative situation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is a telling instance" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific example in illustrating a larger point or trend. Use it to highlight key evidence that supports your argument.

What distinguishes "is a telling instance" from similar phrases?

"Is a telling instance" suggests that the example provides insight or reveals something important. Phrases like "is an example of" are more general, while "is a significant example" emphasizes importance.