tell upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell upon" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to the act of informing or revealing something about someone, but it is quite rare. Example: "His actions will tell upon his character in the long run."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The most intense and arduous journey makes a more salient and dramatic story to tell upon its completion.

Huffington Post

DS: Gary Baseman is another local LA character, you can tell upon meeting him he has an alternate, very active reality going on in his head.

Huffington Post

But if trade is at least a big part of the cause, then presumably this will eventually tell upon public opinion and trade will move up voters' priority lists.

Huffington Post

I could tell upon encountering it that this was a species yet to be described by science -- so I took some leaf samples for DNA analysis with the expectation that I would someday soon be naming a new species.

Huffington Post

Darwin asked 'Can it be doubted, from the struggle each individual has to obtain subsistence, that any minute variation in structure, habits or instincts, adapting that individual better to new conditions, would tell upon its vigour and health?' (Darwin, 1842).

AoB PLANTS

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Welcome to Shanghai, Dick," the police detective hero of Tom Bradby's first novel is told, upon witnessing his first beheading.

The New York Times - Books

The woman became ill and was told upon her release from the hospital to seek follow-up care.

The New York Times

We had come to Iran to cover the election, but we were told upon arrival that there would be a compulsory program.

The New Yorker

In the past week, Ai has returned with a full-throated howl to Twitter, despite being told upon his release from jail that he is barred from making political statements.

The New Yorker

Awolou Sossa, 23, a student from Benin, in West Africa, who came to New York City last year to study civil engineering, said he had been told upon his arrival to avoid eye contact on the train.

The New York Times

Corbyn's campaign condemned the decision as wrong "both legally and democratically", warning that it threatened to disenfranchise members who were explicitly told upon joining the party that they would have a vote in any leadership election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tell upon", ensure the context clearly indicates the impact or effect something has on a subject. Consider if a more common phrase like "affect" or "impact" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "tell upon" too frequently can make your writing sound archaic or unnatural. Opt for more contemporary alternatives to maintain a modern and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell upon" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action that has a consequence or reveals something. It highlights the impact or effect of something over time or in a specific situation. As suggested by Ludwig AI, its usage is not very common in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "tell upon" is grammatically acceptable, it's not very common in modern English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It primarily functions to describe how something influences or reveals something about another, often with a sense of gradual impact. Given its slightly formal tone and the availability of more contemporary alternatives like "affect" or "impact", writers should carefully consider the context before using "tell upon" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding archaic. Its occurrence is most frequent in News & Media, followed by Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have an effect on

This alternative emphasizes the impact or consequence that something has on something else.

bear on

Focuses on relevance or connection, suggesting that something has a direct bearing or influence.

reveal about

Highlights the act of disclosing or making something known, focusing on the information revealed.

inform on

Suggests providing information about someone, often in a formal or accusatory context.

weigh on

Implies a sense of burden or pressure, suggesting that something is having a negative impact.

make an impression on

Emphasizes the lasting impact or effect that something has on someone's mind or emotions.

have a consequence for

Highlights the result or outcome that something has, often in a more formal or serious context.

exert influence on

Focuses on the power or ability to affect someone or something, suggesting a deliberate or intentional effort.

leave its mark on

Suggests a lasting or permanent impact, often in a physical or tangible way.

show the effects on

Directly indicates the visible or noticeable results of something on someone or something else.

FAQs

What does "tell upon" mean?

The phrase "tell upon" means to have an effect on something or to reveal something about someone or something. It often implies a gradual or cumulative impact.

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

You can use "tell upon" to describe how something influences or impacts something else, such as "The stress began to "have an effect on" his health".

Which is a better alternative to "tell upon", "affect" or "impact"?

Both "affect" and "impact" are common alternatives to "tell upon", but their suitability depends on the context. "Affect" generally refers to influencing something, while "impact" suggests a stronger, more direct effect. Consider "have an effect on" or "bear on" as well.

Is "tell upon" formal or informal?

The phrase "tell upon" leans towards the formal side but is not frequently used in modern conversation. In contemporary writing, using "weigh on" or "reveal about" might be more appropriate depending on context.