Cool MateExplaining vs Telling
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Explaining
Top 2,000 (common)
Telling
Top 2,000 (common)
| Explaining | Telling | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈtɛl.ɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈtɛl.ɪŋ// |
| Meaning | Telling someone about something in a clear way. | Saying something or explaining something to someone |
| Example | She is explaining the rules of the game to the new players. | She is telling a fascinating story about her travels. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | explaining a topic, explaining a concept, explaining a process, clearly explaining, expertly explaining | telling a story, telling the truth, telling jokes, telling secrets, telling someone off |
| Antonyms | confusing, obscuring, mystifying | concealing, hiding |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'explaining' with 'explain', forgetting to use the gerund form., Using 'explaining' without an object, e.g., saying 'I am explaining' without stating what., Mixing up 'explaining' with 'describing', as they have different focuses. | Confused with 'telling off' which means scolding., Using 'telling' as an adjective incorrectly, instead of a verb., 'Telling' used without an object when it typically requires one. |
| Usage notes | Use 'explaining' when discussing how something works or the meaning of something. It's suitable in both formal and informal settings. | Use 'telling' to refer to informing or narrating; avoid in overly formal contexts where 'informed' or 'advised' may be preferred. |
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Frequently asked questions: Explaining vs Telling
What's the difference between Explaining and Telling?
Explaining: Telling someone about something in a clear way. Telling: Saying something or explaining something to someone
Can you show an example of each?
Explaining: She is explaining the rules of the game to the new players. Telling: She is telling a fascinating story about her travels.
Can I use Explaining and Telling interchangeably?
Not always. Explaining and Telling are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.