laying bare

USAGE SUMMARY

"laying bare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been uncovered or revealed. For example, "The investigation laid bare the extent of the company's fraudulent practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Stiglitz often succeeds in laying bare exactly why.

The Economist

The unearthing, bringing to light, laying bare of presuppositions is an unendliche Aufgabe.

Princeton University

Miller pulls no ­punches, laying bare Billy's almost monstrous self-pity.

The New York Times - Books

Her métier is the call-to-arms, laying bare the injustices of womanhood and contemporary life.

The Economist

The author comes at her characters from every angle, laying bare their compromises and delusions.

The New Yorker

But the vote was abruptly delayed until next week, laying bare disagreements within the government.

The New York Times

It pushes the limits of the medium by revealing them, by laying bare the machinery.

The New York Times - Tech

Britain's leading young director made his name laying bare the internal workings of romantic relationships.

The Guardian - Film

Is Hirst claiming to conduct the same internal inquisition, laying bare his fears?

The Guardian - Arts

It also shocked by laying bare Johnson's brutish, bullying, coarse ways.

The Guardian

But just as shocking were the figures laying bare what's happening to pay packets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing when using "laying bare". It can create a sense of drama or urgency, making it suitable for both analytical and descriptive contexts.

Common error

While "laying bare" is a vivid expression, avoid using it excessively in casual or informal writing. Overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "revealing" or "showing" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laying bare" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of revealing or exposing something that was previously hidden or obscured. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. The provided examples illustrate its application in various contexts, from exposing political disagreements to revealing personal vulnerabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laying bare" is a versatile verb phrase that vividly describes the act of revealing or exposing something previously hidden. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a range of writing styles, particularly in news, academic, and analytical contexts. While its frequency is notable, remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives in more informal settings. By exploring related phrases such as "revealing" and "exposing", you can fine-tune your writing to convey the precise shade of meaning you intend. Ultimately, mastering the use of "laying bare" can enrich your ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing

Focuses on the act of making something known, without necessarily implying a prior state of concealment.

exposing

Suggests uncovering something that was previously hidden, often with negative implications.

unveiling

Often used in a ceremonial or celebratory context to reveal something new or important.

disclosing

Implies the release of confidential or private information.

uncovering

Highlights the process of discovering something previously unknown or concealed.

bringing to light

Emphasizes the act of making something public and visible.

divulging

Indicates the act of revealing sensitive or secret information.

making known

A more formal and general way of expressing the act of revealing information.

drawing back the curtain

A more figurative way of saying to reveal a secret.

showing

The act of indicating something for someone to see or understand, directly.

FAQs

How can I use "laying bare" in a sentence?

"Laying bare" is often used to describe the act of revealing something that was previously hidden or not easily understood. For example, "The investigation is "revealing" the extent of the corruption" or "The documentary is "exposing" the harsh realities of poverty".

What are some alternatives to "laying bare"?

Alternatives to "laying bare" include "revealing", "exposing", "unveiling", and "disclosing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "laying bare" in writing?

It is suitable when you want to emphasize the act of uncovering something previously hidden or complex. It's often used in analytical writing, journalism, and academic contexts where a dramatic or impactful reveal is desired.

Is "laying bare" formal or informal language?

"Laying bare" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives like "showing" or "revealing". It carries a stronger connotation of uncovering something significant or sensitive.