tell about

USAGE SUMMARY

"tell about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic that someone is about to talk about, for example: "Let me tell you about my favorite holiday destination..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tell, about proposed pigeon-proofing of the statuary.

The New Yorker

Tell about your advice.

The New York Times

Tell about the experience.

The New Yorker

Tell about famous recruiting posters.

The New Yorker

"You should tell about the good part".

The New Yorker

Goes on to tell about Mme.

The New Yorker

Beeber would then tell about his exploits.

The New Yorker

What does George's demise tell about us?

The New York Times

Time will tell about the others.

The New York Times - Sports

Jason Giambi lived to tell about it.

The New York Times - Sports

What do you tell about Pluto here?

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell about", ensure the context is appropriate. It's often suitable for informal conversations or narratives. If you need a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "describe" or "explain".

Common error

Avoid using "tell about" excessively in professional or academic writing. It can sometimes sound too casual. Instead, opt for more formal synonyms to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell about" functions primarily as a phrasal verb used to introduce the subject of a conversation or narrative. It prompts the speaker to provide details or information. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tell about" is a grammatically correct and usable phrasal verb that functions to invite someone to share information or narrate an experience. Ludwig AI validates its usage. While common across diverse sources like news, media, and wikis, it fits best in neutral to informal contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "describe" or "explain" might be more appropriate. The frequency of "tell about" is considered uncommon, and it is essential to consider the context and audience when choosing to use this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describe

Uses a single word to convey the act of giving details; generally more concise.

explain

Focuses on making something understandable; emphasizes clarity.

elaborate on

Indicates expanding on a topic with more information.

recount

Suggests a detailed and chronological narration of events.

narrate

Implies a structured storytelling approach, often with a specific viewpoint.

expound on

Suggests a thorough and detailed explanation or analysis.

detail

Highlights the provision of specific information and particulars.

share information regarding

More formal; suitable for professional contexts where precision is key.

provide an account of

Emphasizes a structured and comprehensive presentation of facts.

give details concerning

A more elaborate way to express providing specific information.

FAQs

What does "tell about" mean?

"Tell about" means to provide information or details regarding a specific topic or subject.

How can I use "tell about" in a sentence?

You can use "tell about" to introduce a topic you're going to discuss, like: "I'll "tell about" my trip to Italy".

Which is correct, "tell about" or "tell of"?

Both "tell about" and "tell of" can be correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Tell about" is more general, while "tell of" often suggests a narrative or story.

What are some alternatives to "tell about"?

Alternatives to "tell about" include "describe", "explain", or "recount", depending on the desired nuance and formality.