telling for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling for" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers due to its ambiguity. Example: "I am not sure what you are telling for in this context."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This date is telling for two reasons.

The New York Times

The exchange was telling for two reasons.

The New York Times

The success is telling for Nintendo nonetheless.

The Guardian - Tech

The adage is telling for presidencies.

The New York Times

Still, Fagbenle's ordeal is worth telling for three reasons.

The New York Times

Could be telling for the rest of the game.

The New York Times

The next year will be telling for the bankruptcy system.

The New York Times

The first word of its title is telling, for its day even shocking.

Independent

That is patently untrue, but it is also telling: for Thoreau, civilization was a contaminant.

The New Yorker

More telling for consumers is the ad campaign that Nike started in February.

The New York Times

But his analysis is telling: "For so long, the struggle was the career.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "telling for" in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically correct and clear alternatives like "suggestive of" or "indicative of".

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "telling for" when they intend to say "telling about". While the intention might be understood, the phrase is grammatically unsound. Instead, use more precise phrasing such as "informative about" or "revealing about" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling for" functions as a descriptive modifier, attempting to qualify a noun or situation. However, its non-standard grammatical structure often leads to ambiguity. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "telling for" appears frequently, especially in news and media, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies it as such, advising against its use in formal writing. Better alternatives include "suggestive of", "indicative of", or other contextually appropriate phrases. Despite its common occurrence, prioritizing grammatical accuracy enhances clarity and credibility. When writing, consider the nuances of each alternative to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestive of

Focuses on indication or implication, rather than direct communication.

indicative of

Highlights that something serves as a sign or symptom.

revealing about

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or making something known.

illustrative of

Highlights the use of something as an example to clarify or explain.

demonstrative of

Focuses on the clear and convincing evidence provided.

eloquent about

Stresses the expressive and persuasive nature of something.

speaking to

Indicates that something is relevant or addresses a particular issue.

significant for

Highlights the importance or consequence of something.

informative about

Focuses on providing knowledge or facts.

showing for

Indicates that something is visible or apparent.

FAQs

Is "telling for" grammatically correct?

No, "telling for" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives like "suggestive of" or "indicative of".

What can I say instead of "telling for"?

You can use alternatives such as "revealing about", "illustrative of", or "significant for", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "telling for"?

While "telling for" appears in some contexts, it's generally advisable to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically sound and precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "telling for" and "telling about"?

"Telling about" is grammatically acceptable and means providing information. "Telling for" is not a recognized standard English phrase and should be avoided. Use alternatives like "informative about" or "revealing about" to convey the intended meaning.