it is telling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is telling' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is an indication of a larger truth. For example, “The fact that fewer people are buying her books this year is telling.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is telling that its staff include doctors from Romania, India, Pakistan and Malaysia.

The Guardian

It is telling that Australia is considering allowing (some) privatization of its socialized medical system.

Forbes

It is telling the truth".

Independent

But as a symbol, it is telling.

The New York Times - Sports

Rayner thinks that it is telling.

The New Yorker

Now it is telling Spain not to overdo it.

The Economist

It is telling that this is such an innovative deal.

The Economist

It is telling that motherhood receives the most attention.

The New Yorker

It is telling that Gillis believes he can win.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps it is telling that Spurs' current captain is Lloris.

The Guardian - Sport

It is telling that Lewis named his yacht the Lone Ranger.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it is telling" when you want to draw attention to an underlying meaning or significance that may not be immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "it is telling" excessively in academic or formal writing, as it can come across as suggestive rather than assertive. Opt for stronger, more direct statements to convey your points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is telling" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that a particular fact or observation reveals something significant or noteworthy. It serves to subtly imply a conclusion or underlying truth. Ludwig examples show a wide adoption of this phrase in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is telling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to suggest that something is indicative of a larger truth. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity and precision, consider alternative phrases like "it is indicative" or "it suggests" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is indicative

Changes the verb from "telling" to "indicative", emphasizing the act of pointing something out.

it suggests

Replaces "telling" with "suggests", implying a hint or clue rather than a direct statement.

it reveals

Substitutes "telling" with "reveals", focusing on the unveiling of information.

it highlights

Replaces "telling" with "highlights", emphasizing the importance or prominence of something.

it demonstrates

Changes "telling" to "demonstrates", suggesting proof or evidence.

it signifies

Substitutes "telling" with "signifies", implying a deeper meaning or symbolic representation.

it implies

Replaces "telling" with "implies", suggesting a subtle or indirect communication.

it points to

Offers a more directional focus, indicating where the evidence leads.

this suggests

Shifts the focus to the subject matter, while emphasizing the act of suggestion.

that indicates

Provides a direct statement indicating an aspect

FAQs

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

Use "it is telling" to suggest that a particular fact or observation reveals something significant or insightful. For example, "It is telling that few attended, suggesting a lack of interest in the topic."

What does "it is telling" mean?

"It is telling" means that something is revealing or indicative of a larger truth or underlying issue. It implies that there is more to be understood from a specific fact or observation.

What can I say instead of "it is telling"?

You can use alternatives like "it is indicative", "it suggests", or "it reveals" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is telling" or "it tells"?

"It is telling" is generally used to suggest an implication. In contrast, "it tells" implies a more direct revelation or narration. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.