telling - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
telling Word Meanings
- to communicate information
- to give an account of an event
- to inform someone about something
telling Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
telling Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tɛl/
US
/tɛl/
telling Word Etymology
Root: tell = to count, relate. Historical origin: Old English 'tellan' → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: Imagine a storyteller relaying tales by counting them on fingers, weaving narratives to share with the audience.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean in, take a breath, and move my lips to start a line of words. I push a thought forward, adjust my voice, and watch the air change as I set the pace. I hold the key details steady, turn my gaze toward the listener, and keep talking until the image lands. What lands is the sense that I am telling—sharing what happened, in plain, human terms.
Real Context
Tell is a versatile verb used to convey information, recount events, and inform someone about something. It often appears with a person as the indirect object, as in tell me, tell him, or tell your friend; you can tell a story, tell the truth, or tell what happened. Unlike say, tell almost always involves a recipient and a direct object following the verb (tell someone something). It also forms fixed phrases such as tell a story, tell the difference, or tell on someone in casual speech. Learners sometimes use tell where inform or explain is better, or omit the indirect object, leading to awkward sentences.
Usage Reminders
- Use tell with a recipient: tell someone something.
- Do not omit the indirect object when that structure is required.
- Differentiate tell from say: tell conveys information to someone; say is the act of speaking.
- Note fixed phrases: tell a story, tell the truth, tell the difference.
- Be careful with tell on someone: it means to inform authorities or a supervisor.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing tell with say when there is no clear recipient
- Omitting the indirect object where required (tell someone something)
- Using tell in places where say or inform would be more natural
- Mistaking tell on for inform officially
- incorrect word order after tell (tell to someone should be tell someone)
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Pair tell with a clear recipient: tell someone something.
- Practice tell vs say in reported speech contexts.
- Learn fixed phrases: tell a story, tell the truth, tell the difference.
- Notice the word order: tell + someone + something, not tell someone to something.
- Be mindful of tell on someone; it has a specific informal meaning.
- Use examples from real life to reinforce collocations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'telling' mean?
A.Revealing
B.Singing
C.Running
D.Eating
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'telling' correctly?
A.She was telling a lie.
B.He was telling music loudly.
C.The red apple was telling.
D.He was telling a car.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is the most similar word to 'telling'?
A.Concealing
B.Listening
C.Singing
D.Watching
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'telling'?
A.Whispering
B.Hiding
C.Running
D.Cooking
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'telling'?
A.Playing basketball
B.Walking in the park
C.Having a conversation with a friend
D.Reading a book
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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