told it well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told it well" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that someone communicated something effectively, but the structure is awkward. Example: "She told the story well, capturing everyone's attention."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She told it well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Daniel told it well, tossing off the punch line: "For all the good they did me, I might as well have shoved them up my ass".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He tells it well.

Independent

Davidson tells it well, too.

The New Yorker

It's a good story, and Simon tells it well.

The New Yorker

We know the rest, but Johnson tells it well enough.

The Guardian - Books

This is a fascinating story, and Grindrod tells it well.

The Guardian - Books

The story is well known, and Kate Colquhoun tells it well in "Taste".

The New York Times - Books

Ira Shapiro tells an important story and tells it well in "The Year the Senate Fell" (Op-Ed, Jan . 7.

The New York Times

Geoffrey Macnab tells it well in the Independent: Back in Holland, Ter Steege waited patiently.

The New Yorker

Nora Ephron has a version of it in "Heartburn" but, she warns, "you need an accent to tell it well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's storytelling, prefer stronger verbs such as "narrated", "recounted", or "articulated" followed by "effectively" or "skillfully" for greater clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using the simple verb "tell" with the adverb "well" when describing effective communication. Opt for more descriptive verbs that convey the specific quality of the storytelling or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told it well" functions as a comment on someone's ability to communicate or narrate effectively. While Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use, it's important to note it's considered grammatically questionable. The phrase is used to praise or acknowledge effective storytelling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told it well" serves to commend someone's effective communication skills, particularly in storytelling. Though understandable, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not grammatically correct, making it more appropriate for informal rather than formal contexts. Stronger verb choices such as "narrated", "recounted", or "articulated", combined with adverbs like "effectively" or "skillfully", provide clearer and more impactful alternatives. While it appears in news and media, writers should carefully consider the context and aim for greater precision in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrated it effectively

Focuses on the act of narration with an emphasis on how effectively the narration was done.

recounted it skillfully

Highlights the skill involved in recounting a story or event.

articulated it clearly

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the communication.

expressed it eloquently

Focuses on the eloquence and grace of the expression.

conveyed it powerfully

Highlights the strength and impact of the communication.

presented it persuasively

Emphasizes the persuasive nature of the presentation.

delivered it masterfully

Focuses on the masterful quality of the delivery.

related it vividly

Highlights the vividness and detail of the retelling.

communicated it admirably

Emphasizes the admirable quality of the communication.

shared it engagingly

Highlights the engaging and captivating nature of the way information was shared.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "told it well" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider using phrases like "narrated it effectively", "recounted it skillfully", or "articulated it clearly" depending on the specific context.

Is "told it well" grammatically correct in formal writing?

While understandable, "told it well" isn't considered grammatically ideal in formal writing. Alternatives like "expressed it eloquently" or "conveyed it powerfully" offer greater precision and sophistication.

What are some alternatives to "told it well" that emphasize persuasiveness?

If you want to highlight the persuasive aspect, try phrases like "presented it persuasively" or "communicated it effectively" to better capture the intent.

In what situations is "told it well" most appropriate?

"Told it well" is generally suitable for informal conversations or casual writing. In more formal settings, selecting a more precise and descriptive alternative will enhance clarity and credibility.