reveal itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reveal itself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that becomes known or visible, especially when it happens in a gradual or unexpected way. Example sentence: The truth of the matter gradually revealed itself over time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It opens up to reveal itself.

The New York Times

"The truth will reveal itself".

The New York Times

How does that experience reveal itself?

The New York Times - Sports

A folding piece, it is meant to reveal itself slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

Reese's attentiveness and patience allows that joy to reveal itself.

The New Yorker

But the big education idea has yet to reveal itself.

The Guardian

That play continues to reveal itself to him.

The Guardian

It is unexpected, and takes time to reveal itself.

The Guardian - Arts

An opportunity for the grace of life to reveal itself.

The New Yorker

The world was charged, but unwilling to reveal itself.

The Guardian - Arts

Psychopathology chooses to reveal itself in different ways.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reveal itself" when you want to emphasize a gradual or unexpected unveiling of information, a truth, or an aspect of something. For instance, "The solution to the problem will reveal itself with careful analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "reveal itself" when a simple transitive verb would suffice. For example, instead of "The magician will reveal itself", use "The magician will reveal his identity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reveal itself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that something is disclosing or making itself known. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a process of becoming visible or understood, often gradually.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reveal itself" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI, primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. It serves to describe the process by which something becomes known or visible, often suggesting a gradual or surprising disclosure. Alternatives such as "become apparent" or "come to light" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using "reveal itself", ensure it appropriately reflects the reflexive nature of the action and avoid misusing it in place of a simple transitive verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become apparent

This alternative focuses on the gradual visibility or understanding of something.

come to light

This alternative suggests the uncovering of something previously hidden.

make itself known

This alternative emphasizes the action of something actively becoming known.

be disclosed

This alternative suggests a more formal or official unveiling of information.

unfold gradually

This alternative highlights the progressive and unfolding nature of a revelation.

emerge slowly

This alternative emphasizes the gradual appearance of something.

surface eventually

This alternative implies that something hidden will eventually come to the surface.

materialize over time

This alternative focuses on the gradual formation or realization of something.

become visible

This alternative simply states the act of something becoming visible.

be unveiled in due course

This alternative stresses that something will eventually be presented at the appropriate time.

FAQs

How can I use "reveal itself" in a sentence?

You can use "reveal itself" to describe how something becomes known or visible, often gradually. For example, "The full extent of the damage began to "reveal itself" after the storm."

What's a good alternative to "reveal itself"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "become apparent", "come to light", or "make itself known" as alternatives to "reveal itself".

Is it correct to say "revealed itself"?

Yes, "revealed itself" is the past tense form of "reveal itself" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The truth revealed itself over time."

What is the difference between "show itself" and "reveal itself"?

"Show itself" generally means to appear or become visible, while ""reveal itself"" often implies a gradual or surprising disclosure of something previously hidden or unknown.