Is show don't tell litery device ok to use in a news article?


Search results with AI Overview have a yes and no answer within 2 minutes apart.

Yes, but sparingly and with careful consideration. While the "show, don't tell" principle is crucial for storytelling, news articles require clear, factual "telling" to report information efficiently and objectively. Using "showing" is appropriate for adding detail or emotional context to a story, but "telling" remains the primary tool for conveying essential facts quickly. (Is 'show, don't tell' good writing advice? - Quora) 

No, "show, don't tell" is not a literary device suitable for a standard news article, which prioritizes factual, objective reporting over evocative description. News articles are meant to be direct and informative, conveying information through factual statements rather than creative storytelling techniques like "showing". While a news article may present facts that allow the reader to draw their own conclusions (a form of "showing"), it should avoid using "show, don't tell" techniques common in fiction to create an emotional response or build a narrative.  However, after this AI answer,  the examples indicated that the "show, don't tell" literary device is helpful, but that it should not be used excessively.

Top Search Results WED NOV 19 2025 5:30 AM ...











The Reality of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ – The Lit Nerds

#ad▼


PLEASE NOTE: SuccessfulSearching.com is the research section of CARDINAL NEWS and Arlington Cardinal. Some articles are created as background research for articles published in Arlingtoncardinal.com, ExerciseReports.com, FloridaCardinal.com and PublicSafetyReporter.com.

If information about nutritional supplements, over the counter medicines, medical treatments, or health and medical recommendations or any type of products are published in any article on SuccessfulSearching.com, the information and products are provided for information only, and are not endorsed by SuccessfulSearching.com. The topics are selected because they may lead to helpful information, but could involve unintentional useless information, or may even reveal fraud or harmful instructions if the information is not suitable for your specific situation.

SuccessfulSearching.com articles are intended for early research, NOT final conclusive information. Article content on SuccessfulSearching.com should be considered initially only as partially applicable, along with other resources of your choosing in your research.


None of the statements on this web site have been evaluated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration).

Furthermore, none of the statements on this web site should be construed as dispensing medical advice, making claims regarding the cure of diseases.

You should consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement, dietary, exercise program, or health routine or treatment, especially if you are pregnant or have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Products mentioned in an article should not be considered an endorsement for any specific viewer, unless there is a clear indication of an endorsement.

Also, products or sponsors displayed as ads should not be considered an endorsement for any specific viewer reading the article. Instead ads involve general suggestions, and that all viewers should check the referred sponsor or product for their own possible benefit.

See more on this topic from the Federal Trade Commission ...

The FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking