revealing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "revealing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that discloses or uncovers information, often in a context where something hidden or secret is made known. Example: "The documentary was revealing, shedding light on the previously unknown aspects of the historical event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The results were revealing.

The New York Times - Science

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

David Cameron was accused of revealing his ill-suppressed Bullingdon Club instincts when he shouted at the Labour frontbencher Angela Eagle to "calm down, dear" as she berated him for misleading MPs at prime minister's questions.

The Guardian

Climbing out to one of the lookout points for a surf check we look through a small gap in the beachside trees to a view revealing the dark bumps of the swell.

The Guardian - Travel

There, scientists have since been slowly revealing the Hunley's secrets.

The Guardian

These are largely used to make your browsing experience more convenient, but if you'd rather have more control over what you're revealing about yourself, try installing a few plugins on your browser.

The Guardian - Tech

But there's a more subtle point here, too, one that doesn't apply only to people mired in denial: we're all constantly revealing far more about our emotional lives than we may realise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mosby has said repeatedly she has no intention of handing the case to a special prosecutor or of revealing any evidence before trial.

The Guardian

The bank has subsided on one side, revealing a small curved cliff of chalk and stone.

The Guardian

This may be an overused expository device, but there is truth in it: no person wields power over another without revealing his nature.

The Guardian

Campbell, who officially retired from football in 2012 having been released by Newcastle, will appear at a hustings with the rest of the Conservative party's candidates on 4 July after revealing his intention to stand over the weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing, use "revealing" cautiously. Ensure the context is appropriate and avoids any potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "revealing" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "showing" or "telling" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your language sound overly dramatic or formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "revealing" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "reveal", often functioning as an adjective modifying a noun or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI indicates it's commonly used to describe the act of making something known or visible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "revealing" is a versatile word, most commonly used in news and media contexts to describe the act of making something known or uncovering hidden information. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it functions primarily as a present participle or gerund. While highly prevalent, especially in formal writing, it's advisable to use it judiciously, ensuring it fits the register and context. For alternative expressions, consider "disclosing", "unveiling", or "exposing" based on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Using "revealing" effectively can significantly enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disclosing

Focuses on uncovering information that was previously private or secret.

unveiling

Suggests a formal or ceremonial act of revealing something new or hidden.

exposing

Implies uncovering something, often with a negative connotation, like a scandal or wrongdoing.

divulging

Highlights the act of sharing confidential or sensitive information.

uncovering

Emphasizes the process of discovering something that was concealed or hidden.

making known

A more formal and direct way of saying something is being revealed.

bringing to light

Implies uncovering something previously hidden or unknown, often of significance.

showing

A simple and direct alternative, implying making something visible or evident.

displaying

Focuses on visually presenting something that was not previously visible.

unmasking

Suggests uncovering a hidden identity or deceptive appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "revealing" in a sentence?

"Revealing" can be used as a verb to describe the act of making something known, or as an adjective to describe something that uncovers or shows something. For example, "The study was revealing" or "The magician was revealing his final trick".

What are some alternatives to the word "revealing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disclosing", "unveiling", "exposing", or "divulging".

Which is correct, "revealing a secret" or "revealing to a secret"?

"Revealing a secret" is the correct usage. The verb "reveal" takes the secret as a direct object. "Revealing to a secret" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "revealing" and "showing"?

"Revealing" often implies uncovering something that was previously hidden or unknown, while "showing" is a more general term for making something visible or evident. "Revealing" carries a stronger sense of discovery or disclosure than "showing".