this is a tale of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a tale of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a story or narrative that will follow, often to set the tone or theme of the tale. Example: "This is a tale of adventure and discovery, where the protagonist embarks on a journey to find their true self."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THIS is a tale of two cities.

The Economist

THIS is a tale of three central banks.

The New York Times

This is a tale of two restaurants.

The New Yorker

This is a tale of fallen fortunes.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a tale of their exploits.

Cornell University

This is a tale of two poets.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a tale of two Apples.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a tale of two unveilings.

The New York Times

This is a tale of two Clintons.

The Guardian

This is a tale of two cities.

The Guardian - Business

This is a tale of two roads.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a tale of" to set a specific tone or theme for your writing, particularly when aiming for a narrative or storytelling style. Think of using it to subtly cue your audience about what kind of story they are about to read.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple paragraphs or sections with "this is a tale of" as it can become repetitive and detract from your writing's flow. Instead, vary your sentence structure and introductions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a tale of" functions as an introductory phrase, primarily used to signal the beginning of a narrative or story. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable for introducing a story.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a tale of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase suitable for setting the stage for a story. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral register and is most prevalent in news and media contexts. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternative phrasing to maintain engaging and varied writing. Alternatives can be "this is a story of" or "this is a narrative of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a story of

Substitutes "tale" with "story", offering a more common and straightforward alternative.

this is a narrative of

Replaces "tale" with "narrative", providing a slightly more formal option.

what follows is the story of

Uses "what follows" to build anticipation and introduce a narrative.

this recounts the events of

Offers a more descriptive and active way to introduce a series of events.

the ensuing events tell the story of

Emphasizes the sequence of events leading to a particular outcome.

this describes the happenings of

Uses "describes" and "happenings" to present a factual overview of events.

the following is an account of

Presents a formal and objective record of events.

here begins the chronicle of

Uses "chronicle" to suggest a detailed and historical account.

this is an instance of

Shifts the focus to a specific example or occurrence.

the subject of this is

Directly identifies the central topic or theme.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a tale of" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a tale of" to introduce a narrative, often highlighting the central theme or conflict. For example, "This is a tale of ambition and betrayal."

What are some alternatives to "this is a tale of"?

Alternatives include "this is a story of", "this is a narrative of", or simply stating the topic directly.

When is it appropriate to use "this is a tale of"?

It's best used when you want to establish a storytelling tone, often implying a sense of drama, history, or moral lesson. It works well for introductions to fictional stories or significant historical accounts.

Is "this is a tale of" considered formal or informal?

The phrase leans toward a neutral to slightly formal register. While usable in many contexts, consider the specific audience and purpose. For highly formal settings, "the following is an account of" may be more suitable.