telling functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling functions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to functions or roles that convey information or narratives. Example: "The telling functions of the story help to engage the audience and convey the main themes effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Gaming functions like the roulette on Franck Muller's Vegas or Christophe Claret's 21 Blackjack are not horological complications; they do not enhance the time-telling functions," Mr. Tan said.

The New York Times

One unit at Statewide, the Doparts told me, functions as a kind of regional distribution center for Little Debbie cakes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Part of what makes LeDIX unique, in Mr. Meylan's view, is that its time-telling function uses old technology and craftsmanship.

The New York Times

In order to read this clock, the user will require some sort of QR scanning device which is guaranteed to have a time-telling function built into it already".

Vice

In it, all nouns are marked for case, an ending that tells what function the word has in a sentence (subject, direct object, possessive and so on).

The Economist

The authors speculate that when told lung function is normal, a smoker feels encouraged to quit before it is too late, and when shown that it is abnormal is motivated to stop by the fear of further deterioration.

The New York Times - Health

Swan will tell the function: "Just as there are people who will say that the time is never right to tackle climate change, there'll always be those who will say the time is not right for an Australian head of state".

The Guardian - Opinion

Hayward said, "The stories he tells them function as clear metaphors for his feelings about his father".

Wikipedia

The myth-telling functions as a prop constraining how the "Apollo" game of make-believe has to be played; a person who makes believe that Apollo is a rock-star is not playing the game correctly, or is perhaps playing another game.

SEP

Microsoft allegedly believed that Netscape Navigator, the competing browser, could undermine the value of Windows by doing its job as a kind of electronic valet, performing routine functions like telling the printer what type size and style to use.

The New York Times

Japan's reluctance to reassume an imperial posture is telling, more a function of historical memory than of military capability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "telling functions", ensure the context clearly indicates what information or narrative these functions convey. Provide specific examples to illustrate their impact.

Common error

Avoid using "telling functions" in vague contexts where the information conveyed isn't evident. Be specific about what the functions are revealing or describing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling functions" primarily serves as a descriptive modifier, attributing a quality of informativeness or narration to the functions being described. It suggests that these functions actively convey information or tell a story, as seen in Ludwig's examples related to time-telling devices and metaphorical storytelling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "telling functions" describes functions that have the primary role of conveying information or narratives. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and wiki articles, suggesting its versatility. To enhance clarity in writing, it's crucial to specify what information these functions are conveying. Alternatives such as "informative roles" or "narrative roles" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Overall, "telling functions" is a valid phrase when used precisely and with clear context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informative roles

Emphasizes the informational aspect of the functions.

explanatory functions

Highlights the ability to explain something through functions.

narrative roles

Focuses on the functions' contribution to storytelling.

communicative roles

Highlights the ability to communicate something through functions.

descriptive capabilities

Highlights the ability of the functions to describe or explain something.

expressive capabilities

Suggests that the functions are used to express something.

revealing aspects

Suggests that the functions uncover or disclose information.

elucidating properties

Implies that the functions help to clarify or make something clear.

indicative features

Implies that the functions point to or indicate something else.

clarifying aspects

Suggests that functions are used to clarify.

FAQs

How can I use "telling functions" in a sentence?

You can use "telling functions" to describe roles that convey information or narratives. For example: "The telling functions of the story help to engage the audience and convey the main themes effectively."

What are some alternatives to "telling functions"?

Alternatives include "informative roles", "narrative roles", or "descriptive capabilities", depending on the context.

Which is a better choice, "telling functions" or "informative functions"?

Both phrases are valid, but "telling functions" emphasizes the narrative or revealing aspect, while "informative functions" simply highlights the conveyance of information.

What does "telling functions" mean in the context of programming?

In programming, "telling functions" might refer to functions that communicate the state or properties of an object or system, providing insights into its current condition or behavior.