tell down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell down" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It seems to be a misunderstanding or miscombination of words, as "tell" and "down" do not typically go together in this context. Example: "Please tell me what you think about the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By measuring the money collected against the bagels taken, he could tell, down to the penny, just how honest his customers were.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sometimes people like to whizz past you when you're in a GB jersey, just because it's a great story to tell down the pub afterwards.

The Guardian

Commenting on the popular trend, Oyelowo said: "As artists, our primary function is not to be educators – but we are at a time in history, where for us, our history needs to give context for stories that we hope to tell down the road.

The Guardian - Film

Expect six stories you can tell down the pub at the weekend.

Vice

Certainly, the quick timeframe is welcome news for the gay rights community, which has watched with a mixture of horror and bemusement as Obama has kicked his pledge to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" down the road.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Next, the shooter told Downing to sit in the very back seat and face him.

The Guardian

Gates told Downing that $250,000 of the money was his, because it was a bonus from Manafort.

The Washington Post

The Chief of General Staff was reported to have told Downing Street he would not accept cuts in Army numbers and training which would hamper the Afghan operation.

Independent

When told Downing Street had dismissed the claims, he said: "They can say what they like.

BBC

If, however, this new requirement pushes accountability for truth telling down the line, some good may result.

Harvard Business Review

"He picked me up, just kind of shook me, then hardly spoke to me for about a year," Mr. Freeman later told Down Beat magazine.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more standard and grammatically correct alternatives such as "explain", "narrate", or "describe" depending on the context. These options are clearer and more widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "tell down" in formal writing or situations where clarity is crucial. While it may appear in some informal contexts, it's often misinterpreted and can detract from your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb construction, although it is not grammatically standard. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not correct and may be a miscombination of words. Its usage appears sporadically, often in contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tell down" is considered grammatically incorrect and is not standard in English. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase does not occur frequently and it's often a miscombination of words. While it appears occasionally in informal contexts or specific idiomatic expressions, it is best to use more standard alternatives such as "explain in detail", "recount completely", or "describe comprehensively" for clarity and correctness. Because of the high potential for misinterpretation and the availability of superior synonyms, it is not recommended to use the phrase "tell down" in formal or professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain fully

Focuses on providing a comprehensive explanation, emphasizing thoroughness rather than direction.

narrate in detail

Highlights the act of storytelling with a focus on detailed information.

recount completely

Emphasizes the act of recounting an event from start to finish, without any omissions.

describe exhaustively

Centers on providing a comprehensive and thorough description, leaving no detail untouched.

communicate thoroughly

Focuses on the act of communicating in a detailed and comprehensive manner.

express in full

Stresses the complete and detailed expression of an idea or thought.

lay out the details

Emphasizes presenting the details in a clear and organized manner.

spell out completely

Focuses on explaining something in a very clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

provide a rundown

Highlights a summary or overview of events. The alternative highlights to provide details on a sequence of happenings or procedures.

share comprehensively

Emphasizes the act of sharing information in a thorough and complete manner.

FAQs

How can I use phrases similar to "tell down" correctly?

While "tell down" is not grammatically correct, you can use alternatives like "explain", "narrate", or "describe" depending on the intended meaning and context. Always ensure the alternative fits the specific situation.

What's a more standard way to express the idea of "tell down"?

Instead of "tell down", consider using phrases like "explain in detail", "recount fully", or "describe comprehensively". These alternatives are clearer and more widely accepted.

Is "tell down" considered formal or informal language?

"Tell down" is generally considered an incorrect usage. Therefore, it doesn't fit in formal language. While occasionally found in informal speech, its use is limited and not recommended.

Are there specific situations where using "tell down" might be acceptable?

While not grammatically correct, "tell down" might appear in very informal speech or specific regional dialects. However, it's best to avoid it in most contexts, especially in formal writing or professional communication. Consider the clarity and potential for misinterpretation.