tells of

USAGE SUMMARY

"tells of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that was narrated or reported. For example, "The book tells of a young boy's journey of self-discovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also tells of unconventional sources.

The New Yorker

He tells of plots to assassinate him.

The Economist

Writer also tells of deteriorating postal service.

The New Yorker

Mentions manuscript which tells of quarrel betw.

The New Yorker

It tells of swank dinner parties.

The New Yorker

The writer tells of Novotny, a….

The New Yorker

Writer tells of his visit to Ballybunion.

The New Yorker

Writer tells of a talk with Sam Donaldson.

The New Yorker

Pertino tells of that shift.

TechCrunch

Monica tells of Thanksgiving 1987.

Wikipedia

She tells of two tragedies.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the tone and context. While generally acceptable, "tells of" might sound slightly old-fashioned in some modern contexts. Consider alternatives like "recounts" or "narrates" for a more contemporary feel.

Common error

Avoid using "tells of" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or archaic in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tells of" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, acting as a transitive verb that requires an object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically used to describe something narrated or reported.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tells of" is a grammatically sound way to indicate that something narrates or recounts events. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally acceptable, be mindful of the context, as it might sound slightly formal in modern, casual settings. Alternatives like "narrates" or "recounts" can offer a more contemporary feel. Remember to use "tells of" to introduce stories or descriptions, ensuring a clear and engaging narrative. With a primary occurrence in News & Media, "tells of" presents a useful expression for informative and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gives an account of

This alternative provides a more formal and detailed way of saying "tells of".

provides a narrative about

This alternative emphasizes the story-telling aspect of the phrase.

narrates

This alternative uses a more concise verb to express the act of telling a story or recounting events.

recounts

This alternative emphasizes the act of relating events in detail.

presents the story of

This alternative focuses on presenting the whole story.

relates

This alternative is a more general term for telling or describing something.

describes

This alternative focuses on providing details and characteristics of something.

reports

This alternative suggests a formal or factual account of events.

chronicles

This alternative implies a detailed and historical account.

details

This alternative focuses on the specific elements included in an account.

FAQs

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

"Tells of" is used to indicate that someone or something narrates, relates, or recounts an event or story. For instance, "The book "tells of" a young girl's adventures in a new land".

What are some alternatives to "tells of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "narrates", "recounts", "describes", or "relates" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "tells of" formal or informal?

"Tells of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in many contexts, it might sound somewhat archaic in very casual conversations. Use alternatives if you want to use a more modern phrase.

How does "tells of" differ from "talks about"?

"Tells of" often implies a more structured narrative or recounting of events, whereas "talks about" ("talks about") is a more general expression indicating a discussion on a topic. "Tells of" suggests a story or account is being presented.