What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
telltale
Example
The telltale signs of a break-in were evident in the broken window and scattered items. [telltale: adjective]
Example
She was known as the office telltale, always sharing confidential information with others. [telltale: noun]
Example
The telltale beep of the smoke detector alerted us to the fire in the kitchen. [telltale: adjective]
explanatory
Example
The teacher provided an explanatory video to help students understand the complex math problem. [explanatory: adjective]
Example
The book included an explanatory section at the end to provide more context for the historical events. [explanatory: adjective]
Example
The museum guide offered an explanatory tour to help visitors understand the significance of the artwork. [explanatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explanatory is more commonly used than telltale in everyday language. Explanatory is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while telltale is less common and often used in specific contexts such as detective or mystery stories.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between telltale and explanatory?
Both telltale and explanatory can be used in formal and informal contexts, but explanatory is generally considered more formal due to its association with educational or informative contexts.
