a startling disclosure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling disclosure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unexpected or shocking revelation of information. Example: "The investigation led to a startling disclosure about the company's financial practices that left everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The report said that the mortuary had body parts of some Sept. 11 victims from both the Pentagon and Shanksville incinerated and then dumped in a landfill — a startling disclosure that was the latest to tarnish the reputation of Dover, hallowed ground for the military and the entry point for the nation's war dead.

The New York Times

But in a startling disclosure, he said that he and his colleagues at the Fed did not know that Bear Stearns faced bankruptcy until March 13, a Thursday, and that they quickly realized that a failure to act would risk a global crisis.

The New York Times

Colonel Mark Cheadle, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently made a startling disclosure to Voice of America (VOA).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The rules requiring advance disclosure have made all but extinct "Perry Mason moments," when a lawyer produces a startling revelation on the stand.

The New York Times

But if this is not a work of startling disclosure, it is a scrupulously thorough and readable examination of the important issues of a long political life.

The New York Times - Books

The doubts about the robbery -- along with the startling disclosure last week that a severed leg clad in a combat boot had been found in the blast rubble, and repeated accounts by witnesses who say they saw another man with Mr. McVeigh not long before the explosion -- underscore the possibility of one or more additional plotters, dead or alive.

The New York Times

Following this startling disclosure, my daughter said, "That's not white & it's not black either.

The New Yorker

And buried in the data is the startling disclosure that six of the 400 paid no federal income tax.

The New York Times

The startling disclosure last October that since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the number of flying insects on nature reserves in Germany had dropped by at least 76% – more than three-quarters – went round the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was the ultimate 'I told you so' a startling disclosure that promised to inflame the passions of the anti-Obamacare forces in all parts of the nation.

Forbes

All of which would have been just a sad footnote to the story of this government were it not for a series of startling disclosures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a startling disclosure" to introduce information that is both surprising and potentially significant in its impact. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the disclosure is considered startling to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a startling disclosure" for trivial or everyday revelations. Reserve it for truly unexpected and impactful announcements to maintain its dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling disclosure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a piece of information that is revealed unexpectedly and is considered noteworthy or shocking. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startling disclosure" is a noun phrase used to introduce unexpectedly revealed information of significant impact. It’s grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. When employing this phrase, ensure the revelation is genuinely surprising and significant to avoid diluting its effect. Alternatives such as "a surprising revelation" or "a shocking announcement" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using this phrase correctly adds emphasis and draws attention to important, unexpected revelations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surprising revelation

Replaces "startling" with "surprising", indicating unexpectedness but potentially less shock.

an unexpected revelation

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation surrounding the revealed information.

a shocking announcement

Highlights the potential for causing shock or dismay.

a stunning revelation

Suggests the information is impressive or overwhelming.

a bombshell announcement

Implies the revelation is highly significant and impactful, like an explosion.

an eye-opening disclosure

Emphasizes the enlightening or perspective-changing aspect of the revealed information.

a noteworthy disclosure

Highlights the importance or significance of the revealed information.

a remarkable revelation

Highlights that the revelation is exceptional or of extraordinary merit.

a critical disclosure

Stresses the importance and potential consequences of the disclosure.

a game-changing disclosure

Emphasizes how the disclosure could alter the landscape or course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "a startling disclosure" in a sentence?

Use "a startling disclosure" to introduce a piece of information that is unexpectedly revealed and has a significant impact. For example: "The investigation led to "a startling disclosure" about the company's financial practices."

What can I say instead of "a startling disclosure"?

You can use alternatives like "a surprising revelation", "an unexpected revelation", or "a shocking announcement" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a startling disclosure"?

It is appropriate to use "a startling disclosure" when introducing information that is both unexpected and significant, causing surprise or shock. It should not be used for minor or trivial revelations.

What's the difference between "a startling disclosure" and "a surprising disclosure"?

"A startling disclosure" implies a higher degree of surprise and potential impact than "a surprising disclosure". "Startling" suggests a more significant shock or unexpectedness.