told it all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told it all" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has shared all relevant information or details about a particular subject or situation. Example: "After the meeting, she felt relieved that she had finally told it all and could move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

David Trezeguet's body language told it all.

The New York Times - Sports

His body language told it all.

The New York Times - Sports

Truth be told, it all depends on your farming operation, specifically your market.

Cornell University

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — The lineup told it all about Russia's importance today.

The New York Times

The discussion is frank and nuanced; Boetticher saw much, judged sharply, knew where he stood, and told it all well.

The New Yorker

Billings told it all, writing about classmates living with illness or taking joy in conversations, about classmates who remained cheerful despite hardship, and about others who did not.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The photographs tell it all.

The New Yorker

That really tells it all.

The New York Times - Arts

The programming tells it all.

The New York Times - Arts

That tells it all.

The New Yorker

He tells it all, well annotated.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "told it all", ensure that the context clarifies who is telling and what "all" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "told it all" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more neutral phrases like "provided a comprehensive account" or "disclosed all relevant information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told it all" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a complete act of communication or revelation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, referring to instances where someone shares all relevant information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told it all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that someone has shared all the details or information about a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. While generally suitable for various contexts, it's advisable to avoid it in highly formal writing, opting for more sophisticated alternatives. Common contexts include news, media and academia. Related phrases such as "revealed everything" and "shared the whole story" can be used to provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left nothing unsaid

Indicates that all possible or necessary information was shared without omission.

revealed everything

Focuses on the act of uncovering or making something known.

gave the full account

Stresses the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

shared the whole story

Emphasizes the narrative aspect of the information conveyed.

disclosed all information

Highlights the act of making information accessible or known.

divulged all the details

Highlights the thoroughness and specificity of the information shared.

related the entire incident

Focuses on recounting a specific event in its entirety.

laid bare the truth

Implies a complete and honest exposure of information, often with a sense of vulnerability.

unburdened themselves completely

Emphasizes the emotional release associated with sharing everything.

confessed everything

Indicates an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, accompanied by a full disclosure of relevant information.

FAQs

What does "told it all" mean?

The phrase "told it all" means to reveal or share all the details or information about something, leaving nothing out. It implies a complete and thorough disclosure.

Is "told it all" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "told it all" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "provided a comprehensive account" or "disclosed all relevant information".

What can I say instead of "told it all"?

You can use alternatives like "revealed everything", "shared the whole story", or "divulged all the details" depending on the context.

How to use "told it all" in a sentence?

You can use "told it all" in a sentence like, "After much hesitation, she finally "told it all" to her therapist" or "The witness "told it all" to the police, providing a complete account of the events".