an exposed

USAGE SUMMARY

"An exposed" is not correct and usable in written English as it lacks a noun to complete the phrase. You can use it when referring to something that is exposed, but it needs to be followed by a noun, such as "an exposed area." Example: "The artist painted an exposed section of the wall." Alternative expressions include "a revealed" and "an uncovered."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Professional

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

True rebellion is an exposed shirttail.

The New York Times

The large flat was split by an exposed bar.

The New York Times - Sports

One wing had an exposed post-and-beam structural system.

The New York Times

A walk around Rougey, an exposed cliff-top path, will dust off any cobwebs.

The Guardian - Travel

For one thing, it will lose its modern tin roof and stand like an exposed ruin.

The New York Times

We were ecstatic, but Tseri started down immediately, wary of lingering on an exposed pass.

The New York Times - Travel

Denmark did not have a glass jaw, only an exposed one.

The Guardian - Sport

The entrance hall has an exposed trellis joistwork ceiling, painted blue between the beams.

The New York Times

He was a bit like a wounded animal, an exposed nerve.

The Guardian

Three kilometres from the finish, the route turned northwards on to an exposed main road.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The study design consisted of an exposed/non exposed cohort.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase "an exposed" immediately with a noun to complete the grammatical structure. This phrase is used effectively to describe architectural features (like brickwork) or medical conditions (like fractures).

Common error

Do not use "an exposed" as a standalone descriptive phrase at the end of a sentence. For example, write "the wire was exposed" instead of "the wire was an exposed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exposed" functions as a partial noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a participial adjective. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it consistently acts as a modifier for a subsequent noun, such as "brick wall" or "nerve", to characterize its state of visibility or lack of protection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Professional

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "an exposed" is a highly frequent but technically incomplete phrase that serves as a building block for vivid descriptions. According to Ludwig AI, it is Incorrect when used without a trailing noun. However, when paired correctly—as seen in the numerous examples from The New York Times and ScienceDirect—it effectively denotes visibility, vulnerability or structural honesty. Writers should ensure they follow it with a clear subject to maintain grammatical integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a revealed

Suggests something previously hidden has been brought to light

an uncovered

Focuses on the removal of a literal or figurative covering

a bare

Emphasizes the lack of protection or ornamentation

a visible

Focuses purely on the act of being seen without implying vulnerability

an open

Suggests accessibility or a lack of closure rather than just being visible

a vulnerable

Highlights the consequence of being exposed rather than the state itself

a manifest

Formal term meaning clear or obvious to the eye

a clear

Indicates transparency or ease of perception

an evident

Focuses on the logical conclusion of visibility

a naked

More poetic or stark way to describe being completely without cover

FAQs

How to use "an exposed" in a sentence?

You should use it as a modifier before a noun. For example, "The renovation revealed "an exposed brick wall" in the living room."

What is the difference between "an exposed" and "exposed"?

The phrase "an exposed" is a determiner and adjective that needs a noun, whereas "exposed" can function alone as a past participle or predicate adjective, as in "the secret was exposed."

What can I say instead of "an exposed"?

Depending on your context, you could use "a revealed", "an uncovered", or "a bare" to describe the object.

Is "an exposed" grammatically correct?

It is grammatically incomplete on its own. As noted by Ludwig, it requires a noun to follow it to form a proper noun phrase.