be unearthed

USAGE SUMMARY

"be unearthed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something being discovered or revealed, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. An example: "Ancient artifacts were expected to be unearthed during the excavation." Alternative expressions include "be discovered" and "be revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What secrets have yet to be unearthed?

The New York Times

It will be unearthed, polished, commodified and disseminated.

The New York Times

What could be unearthed tomorrow, and against whom?

The Economist

We expect huge numbers of bodies to be unearthed".

Independent

The more that turn up, the more I'm sure there is to be unearthed.

The New York Times

Millions watched and waited, over six weeks, for the mole to be unearthed.

The New Yorker

Could there be a body in the garden, about to be unearthed by dun-colored paws?

The New York Times - Books

The anniversary festivities included burying time capsules to be unearthed 50 years from now.

The New York Times

Ian Gordon, analyst at Investec, was sceptical that new facts would be unearthed.

The Guardian - Business

That skull, and the thousands more that will be unearthed, are enough for me.

The New York Times

But Rap Genius does not, as you claim, assume that "every rap lyric has a meaning" that "should be unearthed".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be unearthed" when you want to emphasize the process of discovery or retrieval, especially when something was previously hidden or obscure.

Common error

Avoid using "be unearthed" when a simpler word like "discovered" or "found" would suffice, especially if there is no element of uncovering or revealing something hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unearthed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It signifies the action of uncovering or discovering something that was previously hidden or buried, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be unearthed" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the discovery or revelation of something previously hidden or unknown. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Related phrases include "be discovered" and "be revealed", each carrying slightly different nuances. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use "be unearthed" appropriately, emphasizing the process of uncovering or retrieval. Avoid using it when a simpler term would suffice. As Ludwig's examples show, it's a versatile phrase for conveying discovery, both literal and figurative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be discovered

This alternative is more general and can refer to any kind of finding, not necessarily something hidden or buried.

be revealed

This alternative implies that something previously unknown is now made public or apparent.

be uncovered

Similar to "be unearthed", but without the specific connotation of digging or excavation.

be excavated

This alternative specifically refers to the process of digging something out of the ground.

be brought to light

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something known or visible after it was concealed.

be exposed

This suggests that something is made visible, often with negative implications like a scandal or secret.

be exhumed

This alternative specifically refers to digging up a body, or metaphorically bringing something back from obscurity.

come to light

This alternative describes the process of previously unknown information becoming publicly known.

be brought to the fore

This alternative indicates that something is given prominence or attention.

be dredged up

This alternative suggests bringing something negative or unpleasant from the past into the present.

FAQs

How can I use "be unearthed" in a sentence?

You can use "be unearthed" to describe the discovery of something hidden or buried, such as "Ancient artifacts were expected to "be unearthed" during the excavation" or "New evidence may "be unearthed" during the investigation".

What can I say instead of "be unearthed"?

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

Which is correct, "be unearthed" or "to unearth"?

"Be unearthed" is a passive construction, while "to unearth" is an active verb. Use "be unearthed" when the subject is acted upon, and "to unearth" when the subject is performing the action.

What's the difference between "be unearthed" and "be excavated"?

"Be excavated" specifically refers to digging something out of the ground, while ""be unearthed"" has a broader meaning that includes discovering or revealing something hidden, not necessarily through digging.