these tales

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these tales" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific stories or narratives that have been previously mentioned or are known to the reader. Example: "In the collection of folklore, these tales reveal the rich cultural heritage of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These tales are often anthropomorphic.

The Economist

These tales are common.

The New York Times

Talk shows thrive on these tales.

The New York Times

Why do I find these tales mesmerizing?

The New Yorker

Several of these tales are fun enough.

The New York Times - Books

"In Hindsight," these tales begin, rarely ending well.

The New York Times

Yet many of these tales have no emotional payoff.

The New York Times - Books

Never mind that these tales have been thoroughly debunked.

The New York Times

Like the cars, these tales are encountered in fragments.

The New York Times

In these tales, the mysteries of adulthood were revealed.

The New Yorker

I wonder if all these tales are true.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these tales", consider the tone and formality of your writing. If you're aiming for a more casual tone, "these stories" might be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "these tales" without clearly establishing which stories you are referring to. Ensure the reader knows exactly what "these" encompasses to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these tales" functions as a determiner (these) followed by a noun (tales), acting as a noun phrase. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It is used to refer to a specific set of stories previously mentioned or understood within the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these tales" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to specific stories or narratives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it generally maintains a neutral tone, its formality can shift based on the context. Remember to ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "these stories" and "these narratives" can be used to adjust the tone as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these stories

A direct synonym, replacing 'tales' with 'stories' for a slightly more common and informal feel.

these narratives

A more formal alternative, using 'narratives' to emphasize the structured aspect of the stories.

the aforementioned tales

Implies that the tales have been previously mentioned, adding a sense of formality and specificity.

the stories in question

Highlights that the stories are under discussion or consideration.

these accounts

Focuses on the factual or descriptive nature of the stories.

the legends described

Refers to stories of a more traditional and mythical nature that has been depicted before.

these anecdotes

Highlights the brevity and personal nature of the stories.

such accounts

Similar to "these accounts", but slightly more distanced and general.

the folklore mentioned

Directly references the folklore that was previously spoken about.

the myths discussed

Refers to previously discussed myths

FAQs

How can I use "these tales" in a sentence?

You can use "these tales" to refer to a collection of stories that you have already mentioned or are about to discuss. For example: "These tales offer a glimpse into the culture of the region".

What are some alternatives to "these tales"?

Some alternatives include "these stories", "these narratives", or "the aforementioned tales", depending on the context.

Is "these tales" formal or informal?

"These tales" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "these stories" is slightly more informal, while "these narratives" is more formal.

When should I use "these tales" versus "those tales"?

Use "these tales" when referring to stories that are close in proximity or time, or that have just been mentioned. Use "those tales" when referring to stories that are more distant or were mentioned earlier.