telling indication

USAGE SUMMARY

'telling indication' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to signs or clues that suggest the truth or nature of something. For example, "The discrepancy between the two reports was a telling indication of how unreliable the data was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"This decree is a telling indication of what the authorities have in store and might hint at more mass detentions".

The Guardian

Now the mainstream press is getting involved too, a telling indication of a thaw on this issue.

The Guardian

Sunday will be the latest step in Burress's return to the N.F.L., and it could provide a telling indication about where he fits in the Jets' offense.

The New York Times - Sports

An even more telling indication of the eagerness to buy images with famous names pinned on them was provided by a second picture credited to Modigliani.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision of these candidates to run was a telling indication that they considered Mrs. Clinton to be far more vulnerable than the inevitability narrative suggested.

The New York Times

This was a telling indication that Lapid, like many Israelis, imagines Palestinian grievances not as they are, but how he would wish them to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"While too early to tell definitively, indications are that the shift in buying preferences may, as in the late '70s/early '80s, persist for several years, even if oil/gas prices retrench," Brian Johnson, a Lehman Brothers analyst, wrote in a note to clients.

The New York Times

However, you have to make sure that what your child is telling you is an indication that the teacher is really out of line and that this behavior needs to be stopped.

WikiHow

This patient could not tell the exact indication for the caesarean section she had undergone, only saying she had laboured for a day at a health centre before she was referred to a hospital for the caesarean section.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

My first indication was somebody telling me that 60 people had been killed and then absolute despair.

Independent

What we were asking with that first experiment was, 'Can the difference in brain activity between lie and truth be detected by functional M.R.I.?' Our study showed that it can". He said that the prefrontal cortex -- the reasoning part of the brain -- was generally more aroused during lying than during truth-telling, an indication that it took more cognitive work to lie.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "telling indication" when you want to emphasize that a particular sign or piece of evidence strongly suggests a certain conclusion. It's effective in analytical and persuasive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "telling indication" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a sign" or "a hint" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling indication" functions as a noun phrase, where "telling" modifies "indication". It highlights a specific piece of evidence or sign that is particularly revealing or informative. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "telling indication" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight significant clues or evidence. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it's frequently used in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal writing, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. Consider alternatives like "revealing sign" or "significant clue" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, choosing the right phrase enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing sign

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or making something known.

significant clue

Focuses on the importance of the hint provided.

suggestive evidence

Highlights the inferential nature of the evidence.

clear signal

Indicates a distinct and easily understood sign.

indicative sign

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

important indicator

Stresses the importance of the measurement.

conclusive evidence

Suggests the evidence is strong enough to end the discussion.

meaningful pointer

Highlights the direction or focus the sign provides.

illustrative example

Focuses on the demonstration or clarification provided.

noticeable trend

Highlights a pattern that is easily observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "telling indication" to point out a sign that reveals something significant. For example, "The company's declining stock price was a telling indication of its financial struggles".

What are some alternatives to "telling indication"?

You can use alternatives like "revealing sign", "significant clue", or "suggestive evidence" depending on the context.

Is "telling indication" formal or informal?

"Telling indication" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for news reports, academic papers, and professional communications but might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversation.

What makes something a "telling indication" rather than just an indication?

The adjective "telling" suggests that the indication is particularly revealing or significant, providing strong evidence or insight into a situation.