disclose

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disclose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to talk about revealing or making known something that was previously kept secret or private. Example sentence: I asked my boss to disclose the details of the project to the team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But as with work done prior to the Scottish referendum, we will disclose the details of such work at the appropriate time.

The Guardian - Business

That doesn't excuse things like the alleged failure to disclose, in the case of Abacus, important facts like John Paulson's involvement in picking the securities in the C.D.O.

The Economist

Multimap will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, which did not disclose the price of the acquisition.

The Guardian

Obeid was accused of failing to disclose a family interest in the cafes while lobbying to have the leases renewed without a tender process taking place, to the financial benefit of his family.

The Guardian

When interviewed, aspiring journalists with disabilities said the issues that concerned them most were: whether or not to disclose their disability in a covering letter with their CV; if they had the right image for the employer; and whether or not the disability would affect their ability, or perceived ability, to perform a task.

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

Guardian Australia did not disclose the location of the file to prevent further breaches of privacy.

The Guardian

At an Old Bailey hearing scheduled for this Friday, the Met had been due to apply for a production order to obtain all the material that the Guardian holds that would disclose sources for the newspaper's coverage of the phone-hacking inquiry this year.

The Guardian

Like other Australian think tanks, the IPA isn't required to disclose its funders, even though it is looking to influence public policy.

The Guardian

Maybe Roemer should also disclose the extent to which racial profiling and exaggerated security screening take place in the US for its darker and more "ethnic" citizens with "Muslim" surnames.

The Guardian - Opinion

The petition I published on change.org, calling on the BBC to disclose its contributors' financial interests, has 11,000 signatures so far; if they reach 20,000, I'll present it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disclose" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what information is being revealed and to whom. Also, clarify the reasons why the information is being disclosed.

Common error

Avoid using "disclose" when a simpler word like "say" or "tell" would suffice. "Disclose" often implies revealing something that was previously hidden or confidential, so it's not appropriate for everyday statements.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disclose" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the act of revealing information, making something known that was previously secret or hidden. According to Ludwig, the term is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "disclose" is a versatile term predominantly used to reveal previously hidden or confidential information. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very common in formal and professional contexts, especially in news and media. When considering alternatives, options such as "reveal" or "divulge" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. To best utilize "disclose", ensure the context clearly establishes what information is being revealed and the rationale behind its disclosure. Common errors involve using it where simpler verbs suffice. In conclusion, "disclose" is a robust choice in professional settings, especially where transparency is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveal

This term is a general synonym, but it implies uncovering something previously hidden or unknown.

divulge

Suggests revealing confidential or sensitive information.

make known

A more formal way to express the act of disclosing information.

bring to light

Implies uncovering something that was previously obscure or secret, often with the intention of exposing it.

unveil

Often used when making something public for the first time, creating a sense of anticipation.

impart

Suggests sharing knowledge or information, often in a teaching or informative context.

leak

Implies that information was shared without explicit approval, often in an informal or unauthorized manner.

announce

To make something known publicly or officially.

report

Typically used for formal or official statements of facts.

testify

To bear witness to; give or afford evidence of.

FAQs

How can I use "disclose" in a sentence?

You can use "disclose" when you need to talk about revealing or making known something that was previously kept secret or private. For example, "The company was required to disclose its financial records".

What can I say instead of "disclose"?

You can use alternatives like "reveal", "divulge", or "make known" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disclose the information" or "uncover the information"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Disclose the information" means to reveal or make it known, while "uncover the information" implies discovering something that was previously hidden or unknown.

What's the difference between "disclose" and "announce"?

"Disclose" often refers to revealing something confidential or previously unknown, while "announce" generally means to make something known publicly or officially.