it was very telling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very telling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something revealed important information or insights about a situation or person. Example: "Her reaction to the news was very telling; it showed how much she cared about the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I thought it was very telling when I asked Sorkin to guess which episode was Zuckerberg's favorite.

The New Yorker

But as a snapshot of where political opinion stands on the immigration issue, it was very telling.

The Guardian

It was very telling that with the Giants up, 20-17, with about four minutes to play and the Dolphins down to one timeout, Gilbride went to the air three straight times.

The New York Times

It was very telling that neither Lee nor Leon felt they could talk to anyone about their problems.

BBC

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of UK-based The Patients Association, said it was "very telling" that the research had found many doctors may take a different course of action from the one they would advise their patients to follow.

BBC

I thought it was very telling that when she went to her party rally afterward, she initiated the "U.S.A! U.S.A!" chant.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's very telling".

The New York Times

"It is very telling".

The New York Times

Whatever it is, it's very telling.

The New York Times

It is very telling to watch how passers-by respond to a stranger who looks lost.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was very telling", ensure the context clearly explains what was revealed and why it is important for the reader to understand.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it was very telling" in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Always provide sufficient context so readers understand what specific aspect was revealing and its implications; otherwise, the phrase loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very telling" functions as a comment on an observed event or behavior. It highlights the revealing nature of the observation and signals its importance in understanding a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure and usage of the phrase are grammatically correct and accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very telling" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to highlight the revealing nature of an observed event or behavior. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to draw attention to underlying meanings or implications. While versatile, it is important to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, and the writing guidance helps avoid overuse and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite revealing

Replaces 'telling' with 'revealing' to emphasize the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

it was highly indicative

Substitutes 'telling' with 'indicative' to stress that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

it spoke volumes

Uses a figurative expression to convey that something communicated a great deal without the need for words.

it was rather significant

Replaces 'telling' with 'significant' focusing on the importance and potential consequences of the observation.

it gave much away

Emphasizes the revealing nature of the event or observation, suggesting that it disclosed more than intended.

it showed a lot

A simpler and more direct way to express that something revealed important information.

it revealed much

Similar to 'it showed a lot' but with a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the act of revealing.

it was a giveaway

An informal expression indicating that something unintentionally revealed a secret or hidden aspect.

it suggested a great deal

Focuses on the suggestive power of the observation, implying that it hinted at something important.

it was an eye-opener

Indicates that something was surprisingly revealing, offering a new understanding of a situation.

FAQs

What does "it was very telling" mean?

The phrase "it was very telling" means that something revealed important or significant information about a situation, person, or event. It indicates that what happened provided insight or understanding beyond the surface level.

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

You can use "it was very telling" to describe an action, statement, or situation that revealed something important. For example: "Her reaction to the proposal "it was very telling" about her true feelings."

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

Alternatives to "it was very telling" include "it was quite revealing", "it was highly indicative", or "it spoke volumes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was very telling" a formal or informal phrase?

"It was very telling" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly formal, it maintains a level of professionalism appropriate for various writing styles.