be found out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be found out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has been discovered or exposed for something they were trying to hide, often related to wrongdoing or deception. Example: "He thought he could keep his secret safe, but eventually, he was bound to be found out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You'd be found out!

The New Yorker

"I cannot be found out".

Independent

I knew one day we would be found out".

The New York Times

If you're less than honest about your skills, you'll soon be found out at the interview".

The Guardian

One potential buyer queries whether they could be found out if they used the vouchers.

The Guardian

It's always been a fear that I, too, might be found out or called a fake.

The Guardian

I was terrified that I was going to be found out: that I was this impostor.

The Guardian - Books

Well, it may be found out next month whether that really is the case.

The Guardian - Sport

"Unmarried and afraid to be found out, I took some pills to get rid of it.

The Guardian

The means are different now, including the means to be found out".

The Guardian

It's just people trying to get on, and not wanting to be found out".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be found out" when you want to emphasize the potential for hidden or concealed information to be revealed, especially in situations involving deception or wrongdoing.

Common error

Avoid using "be found out" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The error was found out by the team", consider "The team discovered the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be found out" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential discovery or exposure of something hidden or concealed. Ludwig provides examples showing how it's used to express fear or inevitability of being discovered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be found out" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of something hidden being discovered or exposed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is often used in the context of secrets, lies, or hidden actions, and its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. When using "be found out", consider the potential for more direct active voice constructions. Also, remember there are several close alternatives if you want to change up your writing style, such as "be exposed" or "be discovered".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be exposed

Focuses more on the act of revealing or uncovering something that was concealed.

be discovered

Emphasizes the act of becoming known or noticed, often unintentionally.

be revealed

Highlights the unveiling or disclosure of something previously unknown or secret.

be uncovered

Suggests a deliberate effort to find and expose something.

be brought to light

Implies that something is made public or known after being hidden.

be caught out

Suggests being caught in a wrongdoing or mistake.

be unmasked

Implies the removal of a disguise or the revealing of someone's true nature.

be shown to be

Focuses on demonstrating or proving something to be true.

have your true colors shown

This idiom refers to reveal the real character of someone, usually when it is bad.

the truth comes out

Implies that the truth will eventually be discovered or revealed.

FAQs

How can I use "be found out" in a sentence?

You can use "be found out" to indicate the discovery of something hidden or someone's exposure. For example: "He feared his lies would eventually be found out".

What does "be found out" mean?

"Be found out" means to have a secret or hidden action or characteristic discovered or exposed.

What can I say instead of "be found out"?

You can use alternatives like "be exposed", "be discovered", or "be revealed" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be found out"?

While "be found out" is in the passive voice, consider if an active voice construction such as "discover" or "reveal" might be more direct and impactful in your writing.