conceal

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence Yes,the word "conceal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "conceal" when you want to describe that something or someone is being hidden or kept secret. Example sentence: He tried to conceal his identity from the police.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he said other changes proved harder to conceal, including cuts to its flagship BBC1 soap EastEnders.

The Guardian

That's why we are giving the new agency new powers to force suspects to disclose information, to open up their accounts; to ensure that their advisers can't conceal evidence; and to track their movements not just in Britain but abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Takkas is said to have been paid by instalments into various accounts, including in the Cayman Islands, intended it is alleged, "to conceal the fact the defendant Jeffrey Webb was the beneficiary of the payment".

The Guardian - Sport

We shipped medications, satellites, modern mobiles and cameras, secret cameras like pens, and hats and toys for the protesters to conceal themselves from the regime while they were filming.

The Guardian

If I dislike someone, it is all but impossible to conceal the fact, which is why I made a lousy waitress.

The Guardian - Opinion

In these times of relentless self-promotion, she had, as Rochefoucauld puts it, "a great ability to conceal her ability" – both her intelligence as a person and her talent as a writer.

The Guardian - Books

Vince Musewe, a Zimbabwean political commentator, described it as a classic Mugabe tactic to conceal the country's deepening economic woes.

The Guardian

The Telegraph said that what was more alarming is that those responsible "sought to conceal the truth about their activities from American policymakers and the public.

The Guardian

They are all also charged with conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property, namely a quantity of jewellery and other items, between 1 April and 19 May.

The Guardian

Who? Josh Lloyd-Watson Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarlandrable lengths to conceal their identity initially – went a Google-unfriendly name, toey hired admirable breakdancers to frequent their first few videos; they gave phone-onlengthsrviews answering only to T and J (with the anonymity veil dropping slightly here and there) and performed in front of a concealf smoke (theirryidentityees of mystery).

The Guardian - Music

The New York Times reported that records of the mobile phone belonging to the courier who helped conceal Bin Laden – and eventually inadvertently led the CIA to him – revealed frequent calls to the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM) group.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conceal", consider the specific context. It often implies an intent to keep something secret, not just to hide it physically. For example, you might "conceal" evidence but simply "hide" a toy.

Common error

Avoid using "conceal" when there is no intention to deceive or keep something secret. "Hide" is more appropriate for simple physical concealment without any implied deception.

Linguistic Context

The verb "conceal" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. This signifies an action performed by someone or something to hide or keep something secret, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that means to hide or keep something secret. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific writing. While "hide" is a general term for preventing something from being seen, "conceal" suggests a deliberate intent to keep something secret. When using "conceal", ensure that the context implies intentional secrecy to avoid misuse. Remember that this word works as transitive verb that need an object. Examples and the high source quality scores highlight the term's consistent and authoritative application across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hide

A general term for preventing something from being seen or discovered.

disguise

Altering the appearance of something to prevent recognition.

cover up

To prevent people from discovering something dishonest or embarrassing.

mask

To hide something, usually a feeling or fact, behind a false appearance.

obscure

Make unclear, indistinct, or difficult to perceive.

bury

To put something underground to hide it.

secrete

To hide something carefully.

camouflage

To hide by blending in with the surroundings.

withhold

To refuse to give something or to keep something back.

suppress

To forcibly put an end to.

FAQs

How is "conceal" different from "hide"?

"Hide" generally refers to preventing something from being seen or found, while "conceal" often implies an intent to keep something secret or prevent it from being known. You might "hide" your keys, but you would "conceal" your true feelings.

What are some synonyms for "conceal"?

Synonyms for "conceal" include "hide", "disguise", "cover up", "mask", and "obscure". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "conceal" in formal writing?

The verb "conceal" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing efforts to keep information, facts, or intentions secret. It carries a more deliberate and often negative connotation compared to "hide" and is suitable for describing actions that involve deception or evasion.

What is the correct way to use "conceal" in a sentence?

The word "conceal" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. A correct usage is: "He tried to "conceal" the evidence." It can also be used reflexively: "They tried to "conceal" themselves from the enemy".