tells us whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tells us whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information that indicates a condition or outcome, often in contexts involving decision-making or analysis. Example: "The data collected from the survey tells us whether the new marketing strategy is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I couldn't figure out," Colonna tells us, "whether Braggadocio was a brilliant narrator who was feeding me his story in installments, with the necessary suspense at each 'to be continued,' or whether he was still actually trying to piece the plot together". The same, unfortunately might be said of Eco in this work.

Los Angeles Times

"It only tells us whether the child can take a test".

The New York Times

But next question is what those data tells us, whether the Chinese price growth can be possibly explained by fundamentals.

Cornell University

We can walk up to each soldier; his body language tells us whether we make him nervous or relaxed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This tells us whether a broader swath of consumers are able to make purchases on a regular basis.

Harvard Business Review

It tells us whether to risk telling our bosses about our new ideas, and whether to surface or hide problems.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Tell us whether you agree.

The Guardian

Please tell us whether that is your sketch.

Yale University

Students: Tell us whether these apps appeal to you.

The New York Times

"To tell us whether it's historical or not".

The New Yorker

Wednesday will perhaps tell us whether Kazan simply exploited complacency.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tells us whether", ensure the sentence clearly states what information is being conveyed and what condition or outcome it indicates. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tells us whether" excessively in long, complex sentences. Break down such sentences to improve readability. Overuse can make the writing convoluted and difficult to follow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tells us whether" functions as a connector, indicating a conditional relationship. It introduces a clause that explains the result of an action or observation, providing insight into a specific situation. Ludwig's examples show its utility in diverse contexts, from scientific studies to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tells us whether" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a conditional outcome or insight based on given information. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is widely used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Several alternative phrases exist, such as "indicates if" and "reveals whether", which can be used to add variety to writing. However, it's crucial to ensure clarity by avoiding overuse and maintaining straightforward sentence structures.

As Ludwig AI confirms, "tells us whether" is a reliable and versatile phrase for conveying conditional information in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates if

More concise and direct; suitable for situations where brevity is preferred.

reveals whether

Adds a sense of discovery or unveiling of information.

determines if

Focuses on the definitive or conclusive nature of the information.

shows if

Simple and straightforward, suitable for informal contexts.

establishes whether

Emphasizes the creation of certainty or proof.

confirms whether

Highlights the validation or verification aspect of the information.

elucidates whether

Implies clarification or bringing light to a previously unclear situation.

clarifies if

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

lets us know whether

More conversational and informal.

provides insight into whether

Suggests a deeper understanding or perspective is gained.

FAQs

How can I use "tells us whether" in a sentence?

The phrase "tells us whether" is used to indicate that something provides information that clarifies a condition or outcome. For example, "The experiment "tells us whether" the hypothesis is supported".

What are some alternatives to "tells us whether"?

Alternatives to "tells us whether" include "indicates if", "reveals whether", or "determines if". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to use "tells us whether" or "indicates if"?

"Tells us whether" is generally considered neutral, while "indicates if" might be slightly more formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between the two.

Can I use "tells us whether" in academic writing?

Yes, "tells us whether" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. It's a clear and direct way to convey that information is being provided to determine a specific condition or outcome.