telling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the act of conveying information or narrating a story. Example: "She was telling a fascinating story about her travels around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Douglas thanked his fellow nominee and co-star Matt Damon on stage, telling the audience at the at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles that he could not have done it without the man who played his on-screen lover Scott Thorson.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

People have been telling me I'm not good enough since the day I was born".

The Guardian

What he failed to realise was that the British public are very gullible, and if you keep telling them something for long enough, there's a chance they'll believe it.

The Guardian - Books

I've just got a thing about people and songs telling you how you should feel.' · A Larum is released on Vertigo on 19 May.

The Guardian - Music

Watson replied: "Was Clinton telling the truth?" Obeid also denied he told former Lehman Brothers banker Gardner Brook that the family's investment in water infrastructure could eclipse their interests in the Mount Penny coal mine which was thought to have the potential to earn the family about $100m.

The Guardian

"I wasn't planning on telling my story from Bosnia but his story about his father moved me.

The Guardian

By Wednesday, however, he was telling Evan Davis the claim that the Tories were the party of the rich made him "more angry than almost anything else".

The Guardian

"We grew up with our grandparents taking us on long walks and telling us about the rocks," says Ali Hormuzi, a 44-year-old resident.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, when Nigel Farage sank low with a rant against HIV-positive foreigners, it was Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood who won applause by telling him he should be ashamed of himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, given the quality of many of the fall additions – Mulaney, Bad Judge – it's a situation that might not change any time soon.‬ The outstanding Showtime drama, which stars Ruth Wilson and Dominic West as the participants in the titular affair, both telling their side of the story as they saw it, hasn't been a ratings smash, though figures have been rising as the first season progresses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The mood toughened just over a month ago, when I received a phone call from the centre of government telling me: "You've had your fun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "telling", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to the act of narrating, revealing information, or indicating something significant.

Common error

Avoid using "telling" when a more specific verb like "narrating", "revealing", or "stating" would provide greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "telling" is as a present participle, often used in continuous verb tenses (e.g., "is telling", "was telling") to describe an ongoing action. It can also function as a gerund (noun) or an adjective, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "telling" functions primarily as a present participle, gerund or adjective, commonly used to describe the act of conveying information or narrating a story. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to choose the most precise verb for the intended meaning and context. Consider alternatives like "narrating", "disclosing", or "revealing" for enhanced clarity. Overall, "telling" remains a valuable and frequently used word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrating

Focuses on the act of recounting a story or event in detail.

recounting

Emphasizes the act of giving an account of something, often from memory.

disclosing

Highlights the act of revealing information that was previously unknown.

revealing

Stresses the act of making something known or visible.

stating

Implies a formal or direct declaration of information.

expressing

Focuses on conveying thoughts or feelings through words.

communicating

Emphasizes the broader act of conveying information between individuals.

informing

Highlights the act of providing knowledge or facts to someone.

advising

Focuses on giving guidance or recommendations.

reporting

Emphasizes the act of giving a formal account of facts or events.

FAQs

How can I use "telling" in a sentence?

Use "telling" to describe the act of conveying information, narrating a story, or revealing something. For example, "She was "telling a story" about her travels".

What are some alternatives to "telling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "narrating", "disclosing", "revealing", or "stating".

Which is correct, "telling" or "saying"?

"Telling" often implies a more detailed or narrative form of communication, while "saying" is a more general term for expressing something verbally. Use "telling" when the context involves a story or detailed account.

What's the difference between "telling" and "informing"?

"Telling" can encompass various forms of communication, including stories and personal accounts. "Informing" specifically refers to providing factual information or knowledge. Choose the word that best reflects the nature of the communication.