it is very telling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very telling" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase generally indicates that something is revealing something meaningful or important about a particular situation. For example, "The fact that she left without saying goodbye is very telling; it suggests that she is not happy with our relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is very telling".

The New York Times

It is very telling that despite this childhood Mr. Lang dedicated his autobiography to his mother and father, who live in China and often travel with their son.

The New York Times - Arts

It is very telling when a press office struggles to deal with problems we send it, and that has been our experience of NatWest this year – very slow and difficult.

The Guardian - Money

"It is very telling that Christie got up and walked out as he began to be questioned about the multimillion-dollar, no-bid contract given to the former U.S. attorney that refused to charge his brother," said the New Jersey Democratic chairman, Joseph Cryan, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Obviously this is a small sample (4344) and a small country but it is very telling.

TechCrunch

It is very telling how she announced her diagnosis.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It's very telling".

The New York Times

Whatever it is, it's very telling.

The New York Times

I love that question, because it's very telling about how people think.

The New York Times

It's very telling to me how someone treats the service staff.

The New York Times

It's very telling about what current artists are going through.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very telling" to introduce an observation that reveals a deeper meaning or unspoken truth about a situation. For example, "It is very telling that the company's stock price dropped immediately after the announcement."

Common error

Avoid using "it is very telling" too frequently in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the same meaning. For example, instead of saying "It is very telling that the data is skewed", consider "The skewed data suggests a potential bias in the sampling method."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very telling" functions as a commentary adverbial. It introduces a statement that interprets a situation or action as revealing something significant or meaningful. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to highlight unspoken implications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is very telling" is used to indicate that something reveals significant information or insights about a situation or person. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in News & Media. While versatile, be mindful of overuse in formal writing, where more precise language may be preferred. Consider using synonyms like "it speaks volumes" or "it's highly indicative" to add nuance. Its neutral register makes it adaptable for various contexts, but be particularly aware of the meaning you are trying to imply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it speaks volumes

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of significance, suggesting the matter reveals a great deal without needing further explanation.

it's highly indicative

This phrase highlights that something serves as a strong sign or indication of something else.

it strongly suggests

This alternative focuses on the implication or inference that can be drawn from something.

it's a significant indicator

This phrase emphasizes the importance of something as a sign or predictor of a particular outcome.

it reveals a lot

This alternative highlights the revealing nature of something, indicating that much can be understood from it.

it's quite revealing

This option stresses the revealing aspect, suggesting that something is surprisingly informative.

it offers insight

This phrase suggests that something provides a deeper understanding or perspective on a situation.

it sheds light on

This alternative implies that something helps to clarify or illuminate a particular issue or topic.

it intimates

This phrase subtly suggests something without explicitly stating it.

it hints at

This alternative suggests that something gives a slight indication of something else, without directly stating it.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is very telling" to point out something that reveals a significant fact or insight. For example, "It is very telling that he avoided answering the question directly."

What are some alternatives to "it is very telling"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it speaks volumes", "it strongly suggests", or "it's quite revealing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is very telling"?

It is appropriate when you want to draw attention to something that reveals important information or implications, often something that is not immediately obvious. It can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Is "it is very telling" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise synonyms to enhance clarity and sophistication. For example, phrases like "it's highly indicative" or "the results suggest" might be more suitable.