tell
verb (used with object)
to give an account or narrative of; narrate; relate (a story, tale, etc.).
is telling
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present progressiveof tell (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But what if that woman’s work, the work she believes was overlooked by The New York Times, is telling women like her that they should not work outside the home?
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
“It is telling that the DOJ, which is tasked with enforcement of United States law, has remained conspicuously absent and silent when serious questions about this matter have been raised,” she wrote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
OpenAI is telling regulators how it would like to be regulated.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026
However, Mark Hackett, chief market strategist for Nationwide, thinks the market is telling a more supportive story.
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
Because what if Uncle Jack is telling the truth?
From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone
