Tell of sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Tell of sth” Mean?

“Tell of sth” means to describe or give information about something, often revealing important details or stories related to it.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “tell of sth” is used when someone talks about or describes something specific. It often involves sharing information that explains, reveals, or gives an account of an event, object, or situation. Understanding the “tell of sth meaning” helps English learners express themselves more naturally, especially when narrating stories or explaining experiences. This phrase is common in both spoken and written English and adds depth when discussing details about something.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: tell of something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to describe or give information about something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Tell of sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot separate “tell” and “of” by the object. The object (something) always follows “of.”

Pattern: tell + of + something

Example: She told of her adventures in Africa.

How to Use Tell of sth?

Use “tell of sth” when you want to describe or report information about a particular thing or event. It is often used in formal or narrative contexts to convey detailed accounts or stories. It can refer to personal experiences, historical events, or physical evidence.

Examples

People often tell of their travels to share exciting experiences.

• The old photographs tell of a happier time in the village.
• He told of the challenges he faced during his journey.
• The book tells of the history of the city in great detail.
• Stories told of the brave soldiers who fought in the war.
• The scars tell of past battles and hardships.

These examples show how “tell of sth in a sentence” gives information or describes something.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse “tell of sth” with “tell about sth” or misuse the preposition.

• Incorrect: She told about her trip of the mountains.
• Correct: She told of her trip to the mountains.
• Incorrect: They tell the story of war.
• Correct: They tell of the story of war.

Remember, “tell of” is fixed; do not add extra prepositions or separate the phrase.

Differences / Synonyms

“Tell of sth” is similar to “talk about” or “describe,” but it often implies a more detailed or emotional account. Unlike “tell about,” which is more general, “tell of” usually focuses on sharing memories, evidence, or stories that reveal something deeper.

• Tell of: to describe or reveal details, often emotional or historical.
• Talk about: to discuss something in a general way.
• Describe: to give details about how something looks or is.

Common Collocations

When using “tell of,” it often pairs with words that hint at stories, history, or evidence.

• Adventures – stories of exciting or unusual experiences.
• Challenges – struggles or difficulties faced.
• History – events from the past.
• Stories – narratives or tales.
• Scars – physical marks that reveal past injuries.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of tell of sth:

• Tell Sb
• Tell Sth From Sth
• Tell Sb Off
• Tell Sb From Sb
• Tell Sb From Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “tell of sth”:

Anna: Did your grandfather ever tell you stories about the war?

Ben: Yes, he often told of his time as a soldier and the hardships he faced.

Anna: That must have been powerful to hear.

Ben: It really was. His stories tell of courage and sacrifice.

Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of “tell of”:

• The ancient ruins _______ a rich history of the region.
• She _______ her experiences traveling through Asia.
• The diary _______ many secrets from the past.

Choose the best answer:

• a) told of
• b) told about
• c) told

FAQ

• Q: Is “tell of sth” formal or informal?

  A: It is slightly formal and often used in storytelling or descriptive contexts.

• Q: Can I separate “tell” and “of” in a sentence?

  A: No, “tell of” is inseparable; the object always follows “of.”
• Q: What is the difference between “tell of” and “talk about”?

  A: “Tell of” usually involves detailed or emotional accounts, while “talk about” is more general.

• Q: Can “tell of” be used in the past tense?

  A: Yes, e.g., “He told of his adventures.”

• Q: Is “tell of sth” common in everyday English?

  A: It’s more common in storytelling, writing, or formal speech than casual talk.