expose himself

USAGE SUMMARY

"expose himself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe someone making themselves vulnerable or revealing something that they would typically keep private. For example, "In his speech, the mayor exposed himself as a passionate advocate for increased funding for the city's school system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Polanski refused to expose himself to that level of uncertainty.

The New Yorker

He did not expose himself to the unpredictable.

The New York Times

He's very brave to expose himself like he does.

The Guardian - Arts

His candor, his ability to expose himself even in a conversation with a journalist, seems authentic.

The New York Times

I knew at some point he would expose himself, and he did it right away".

The New York Times

Why would be do such a thing, and expose himself to the criticism he now faces?

The New York Times

"I didn't want him to expose himself like that but he needed to work," he says.

The Guardian

There was one time, though, when Bacon was prepared to expose himself verbally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think he didn't dare to expose himself as a fine artist".

The New York Times

"By not testifying he does not expose himself to his personal life," Mr. Kaufman said.

The New York Times

Since that war, Murrow has had fewer opportunities to expose himself to hostile marksmen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "expose himself" carefully. It can sometimes have negative or sexual implications, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. If you need to imply a sexual meaning, be extremely careful of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "expose himself" when you simply mean someone is being open or honest without any element of risk or vulnerability. Use terms like "share his thoughts" or "express his feelings" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expose himself" is as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action performed by the subject, indicating a willingness to reveal or make something known about oneself, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes acts of vulnerability, risk-taking, or revelation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expose himself" is a verb phrase with multiple meanings, ranging from revealing personal information to committing an indecent act. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to consider connotations and context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "make himself vulnerable" or "reveal his true nature" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Always prioritize clarity and sensitivity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make himself vulnerable

Emphasizes the act of becoming susceptible to emotional or physical harm.

open himself up

Implies a willingness to share personal feelings and experiences.

unveil himself

Shares the idea of unveiling but it is a little more formal than "expose himself".

display his emotions

Highlights the open expression of feelings, which may involve vulnerability.

reveal his true nature

Focuses on unveiling inherent qualities or character rather than physical or emotional vulnerability.

show his true colors

Highlights the revealing of one's authentic personality, often after a period of concealment.

lay bare his soul

Suggests a deep and intimate revelation of inner thoughts and feelings.

divulge his secrets

Implies sharing information that was previously kept hidden or confidential.

subject himself to

Focuses on the action of willingly putting oneself in a position to experience something.

present himself

Emphasizes the manner in which someone introduces or displays themselves to others.

FAQs

How can I use "expose himself" in a sentence?

The phrase "expose himself" can be used to describe someone revealing a hidden part of themselves, taking a risk, or, in some cases, committing an indecent act. For example, "The artist was willing to "expose himself" emotionally through his work."

What are some alternatives to "expose himself"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reveal his true nature", "make himself vulnerable", or "open himself up". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "expose himself" always negative?

Not always. While it can refer to indecent exposure, it can also describe someone making themselves vulnerable or revealing something personal. The context is crucial in determining the meaning.

When is it inappropriate to use "expose himself"?

It's inappropriate when referring to children or in contexts where a more sensitive or respectful term is needed. Always consider the potential for misinterpretation.