tells about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tells about' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you are describing something that someone has expressed. For example: "The novel tells about a family's journey to find a new home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also tells about sci.

The New Yorker

Tells about….

The New Yorker

Tells about the testimony.

The New Yorker

Tells about activities & hobbies.

The New Yorker

Tells about disengagement.

The New Yorker

Tells about results.

The New Yorker

Tells about the betting.

The New Yorker

Tells about other participants.

The New Yorker

Tells about the festivities.

The New Yorker

Tells about unusual N.Y.

The New Yorker

Tells about the dinner.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tells about" to introduce a summary or description of a topic or event covered in a specific source. For example, "The article tells about the history of the city's oldest park."

Common error

While "tells about" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive or informal. In formal contexts, consider stronger verbs like "describes", "narrates", or "elucidates" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tells about" functions as a reporting verb phrase, introducing a summary or description of the content of a story, article, or other source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for describing expressed content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tells about" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression for indicating the subject matter of a narrative or report. As Ludwig AI points out, it is correct and usable. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage can be adapted to various forms of writing. For increased formality and sophistication, writers might consider alternatives such as "describes" or "narrates". "Tells about" serves as a useful tool for providing readers with a concise overview of the information a source contains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describes

Focuses on providing a detailed account, emphasizing thoroughness.

narrates

Highlights the act of storytelling, often in a sequential manner.

recounts

Stresses the act of relating past events or experiences.

relates

Implies a connection or association while conveying information.

reports on

Conveys information obtained through investigation or observation, typically in a formal context.

covers

Suggests a comprehensive treatment of a topic, including all relevant aspects.

details

Emphasizes the provision of specific facts and information.

elucidates

Focuses on clarifying or explaining something that may be difficult to understand.

reveals

Highlights the disclosure of previously unknown or concealed information.

mentions

Indicates a brief or incidental reference to something.

FAQs

How can I use "tells about" in a sentence?

Use "tells about" to indicate the subject or content of a story, article, or other form of communication. For instance, "The documentary "tells about" the challenges faced by immigrants."

What are some alternatives to "tells about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "describes", "narrates", or "recounts" to add variety and precision to your writing. For example, "The book "describes" the events leading up to the revolution."

Is "tells about" considered formal or informal language?

"Tells about" is generally considered neutral but leans slightly towards informal. In more formal writing, using synonyms like "details" or "elucidates" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "tells about" or "tells of"?

Both "tells about" and "tells of" are grammatically correct, but "tells about" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Tells of" might be preferred in more literary or archaic contexts.