tell with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell with" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as it lacks context and clarity. Example: "I can't tell with certainty what the outcome will be."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who can tell with him?

Independent

Hard to tell with the blood everywhere.

The New York Times

You can't tell with Ebola.

The Guardian

Hard to tell with sheep.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They could tell with one glance.

The New York Times - Style

It's so hard to tell with men.

The New Yorker

It's hard to tell with the beard.

The Guardian - Film

You can tell, with every mouthful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes it's hard to tell with her.

The New York Times

"It's hard to tell with that straight face of his".

Independent

It can be hard to tell with American remakes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "tell with" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and grammatically correct alternatives like "communicate with" or "share through" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

A common error is using "with" after "tell" when a different preposition or verb construction is needed. For instance, instead of saying "tell with confidence", consider "speak with confidence" or "convey confidence through your words".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell with" does not have a clearly defined grammatical function in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates it's not a standard expression. Its presence in various texts suggests an attempt to describe a method of communication or expression, though often incorrectly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "tell with" appears in numerous sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically questionable. Its prevalence across News & Media and Academic contexts indicates a widespread but potentially flawed usage. For clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, it's advisable to replace "tell with" with more precise alternatives such as "communicate with", "share through", or other contextually appropriate expressions. The aim is to ensure your message is conveyed accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express with

Focuses on using something as a means to convey thoughts or feelings.

show using

Focuses on demonstrating or displaying something through a particular method.

communicate using

Emphasizes the means of communication rather than the direct act of telling.

describe using

Emphasizes the act of giving details using a particular method.

convey through

Highlights the method by which information is transmitted.

indicate with

Emphasizes the use of a specific sign or action to point something out.

share via

Focuses on the act of sharing information through a specific medium.

illustrate with

Highlights the use of examples or visuals to clarify something.

narrate with

Focuses on storytelling and the manner in which the story is told.

reveal through

Highlights how information is disclosed or made known.

FAQs

How can I avoid using "tell with" in my writing?

Consider what you're trying to express. If it's about communication, use "communicate with". If it's about sharing information, use "share via" or "convey through". Choosing the right verb and preposition combination will improve clarity.

What are some alternatives to "tell with" for describing how something is communicated?

Instead of "tell with", try alternatives such as "express with", "describe using", or "indicate with" depending on the specific context.

Is "tell with" grammatically correct?

Generally, "tell with" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more precise and accepted phrases like "tell a story" or "communicate effectively".

When might I encounter the phrase "tell with", and should I use it?

You might encounter "tell with" in informal contexts or non-standard English. However, for clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, it's best to use alternative phrases.