tell
verb (used with object)
to give an account or narrative of; narrate; relate (a story, tale, etc.).
were telling
-
past progressiveof tell.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
A phalanx of lobbyists hired by the Blazers, meanwhile, were telling state lawmakers they’d need a total of $600 million, starting this year.
From Salon ● Mar. 30, 2026
“We were telling each other, ‘go out there and get it!’
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2026
The conversations were said to have taken place when Alison-Madueke allegedly believed both Omokore's wife and Aluko were telling people they knew of information that could "take her down".
From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2026
“Last year, clients were telling me, ‘I can’t go to my board and say I want to reduce U.S. stock allocations,’ said Vincent Mortier, chief investment officer of Amundi.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 13, 2026
I suppose if he knew we were telling you this...”
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
