expose

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'expose' is a valid word in written English.
It can be used as a verb to mean "to make something or someone known publicly or to make something or someone vulnerable". Example: The reporter exposed the politician for taking bribes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Film

Arts

Business

Tech

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can clearly and calmly, but forensically, expose the reality of the SNP's position.

The Guardian

One tight turn by Maradona near the centre-circle was enough to expose West Germany completely on the left.

The Guardian - Sport

Sir George Young, the leader of the Commons, has criticised the way the Daily Telegraph used undercover reporters to expose the private views of Lib Dem ministers.

The Guardian

Mrs Johnson storms to the PTA meeting, proceeding to expose their own misbehaviour and deeming them "all Harper Valley hypocrites".

The Guardian

These actions expose the individuals involved to significant risks of serious harm, including torture.

The Guardian - Opinion

In late summer, cut back any new growth to keep the shape and expose the berries for ripening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The journalist, now 33, penned a tongue-in-cheek open letter to Edward Snowden on his arrival in Moscow – an extended welcome assuring him that the security services were monitoring every conversation leaving "nothing here in Russia to expose".

The Guardian

‘Yeah, I think people’s interest is valid, if I’m honest,’ says Carlyle. ‘But I also believe that the more you expose your private self as an actor, the less believable you will be.

The Guardian - Film

Heatherwick says he wanted to expose the circulation of people around the bus just as you might in a glass-fronted building, and it's a compelling idea.

The Guardian - Arts

(One wonders if Brown squirmed in his seat as her songs cut through his image of a Britishness fashioned out of values of tolerance and fair play to expose the violence that had really forged the nation).

The Guardian - Opinion

Obama and his intelligence chief, James Clapper, also made a final push on Friday for the Senate to pass the USA Freedom Act, alleging the expiration of the Patriot Act provisions would expose the US to terrorism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expose" in your writing, consider the connotations of vulnerability or revelation it implies. Choose it when you want to emphasize bringing something hidden or secret to light, often with a critical or cautionary tone.

Common error

Avoid using "expose" when a more neutral term like "show" or "present" would be more appropriate. "Expose" often carries a negative or critical implication, so using it in a neutral context can create an unintended bias.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expose" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being revealed, uncovered, or subjected to something. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Business

5%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expose" functions primarily as a transitive verb, used to reveal hidden information or subject something to an element. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, it often carries connotations of revelation and vulnerability. When writing, consider alternatives like "reveal" or "uncover" for nuanced meanings, and be mindful of the tone "expose" imparts to avoid unintended bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reveal

Focuses on making something known that was previously hidden or secret.

uncover

Implies discovering something previously unknown or concealed.

disclose

Emphasizes making information public, often of a sensitive nature.

divulge

Suggests revealing confidential or private information.

unmask

Highlights revealing someone's true identity or nature.

lay bare

Implies revealing something in a very open and vulnerable way.

bring to light

Focuses on making something known or evident.

make visible

Highlights the act of making something capable of being seen.

subject to

Emphasizes the action of making someone or something experience something, often unpleasant.

leave vulnerable

Highlights the act of making someone or something susceptible to harm or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "expose" in a sentence?

You can use "expose" to describe revealing something hidden, like "The investigation "exposed" a network of corruption". It can also mean subjecting something to an element, as in "Expose the film to light to develop it".

What are some alternatives to the word "expose"?

Depending on the context, you could use "reveal", "uncover", "disclose", or "divulge" as alternatives to "expose".

Is it better to say "expose" or "reveal"?

The choice between "expose" and "reveal" depends on the context. "Expose" often suggests uncovering something scandalous or hidden, while "reveal" is a more general term for making something known.

What does it mean to "expose" someone?

To "expose" someone typically means to reveal something about them that is scandalous, discreditable, or previously hidden from public view. It implies making their faults or wrongdoings known.