telling that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when introducing a clause that explains or reveals something. For example, "She kept telling that she was sorry for not being able to attend the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem is telling that story.

The Guardian

So it's telling that Trump prefers "dishonest".

The New Yorker

It is telling that motherhood receives the most attention.

The New Yorker

Focus on telling that story.

Forbes

but you aren't telling that story.

Forbes

But telling that story is too easy.

Forbes

Now, he's telling that story".

Wikipedia

"But nobody's really telling that story".

Huffington Post

need to be a little better in telling that life goes on".

BMC Health Services Research

Sometimes even telling that person can help.

WikiHow

Try telling that to Einstein.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "telling that" to introduce a clause that explains or reveals something noteworthy about a situation. This construction works best when you want to draw attention to an implication or a subtle message conveyed by the preceding information.

Common error

While "telling that" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "indicating that" or "suggesting that" to diversify your sentence structure and maintain a professional tone in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling that" functions as a connector, introducing a clause that provides an explanation or reveals an implication based on the preceding statement. As supported by Ludwig and its examples, it highlights a noteworthy aspect or underlying message.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "telling that" serves as a connector to introduce a clause that reveals or explains something significant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral to informal register. While versatile, remember to diversify your writing by using synonyms like "indicating that" or "suggesting that", especially in formal settings. The key is to draw attention to underlying meanings and implications effectively, as demonstrated in numerous examples available through Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicating that

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning.

suggesting that

Emphasizes a hint or implication rather than a direct statement.

revealing that

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing information.

it shows that

Employs a more direct and declarative structure.

it implies that

Focuses on the indirect communication of information.

this indicates that

Adds a demonstrative pronoun for emphasis.

which suggests that

Introduces a clause that offers an explanation or deduction.

the fact that

Emphasizes the reality or truth of the subsequent statement.

this demonstrates that

Highlights the clear and evident proof of something.

it's indicative of

Uses an adjective to describe the signaling quality of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "telling that" to introduce a clause that reveals or explains something significant. For example, "It's "telling that" he avoided answering the question directly."

What are some alternatives to "telling that"?

Alternatives include "indicating that", "suggesting that", or "revealing that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "telling that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "telling that" can sometimes sound informal. Consider using alternatives like "it indicates that" or "this suggests that" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "telling that" and "showing that"?

"Telling that" implies a revealing or indicative quality, whereas "showing that" refers to a direct demonstration or proof. For example, "His silence was "telling that" he disagreed," versus "The experiment "showed that" the hypothesis was correct."