should have revealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should have revealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something was expected to be disclosed or made known in the past but was not. Example: "The investigation should have revealed the truth about the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And it's also surprising that Scaf should have revealed its true face so early.

The Guardian - Books

The story is good enough that they should have revealed a bit more than they did.

The Guardian - Film

Still, he should have revealed the second one, if only to head off the criticism.

The New York Times

"Of course something should have been done, and of course the BBC should have revealed it about itself".

Independent

Three key members of Congress, in separate interviews Friday, said baseball officials should have revealed those problems during testimony in 2005 to House committees.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hands-on examination should have revealed tenderness in the distal forefoot and even an increase in pain with forced downward pressure on the toes.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Here, Guardian reviewers reveal the shows they walked out of – and the ones they should have.

The Guardian - Music

Depending on one's mind-set, that either suggests that pro-Clinton forces were desperately looking for dirt to counter that story, or that the F.B.I. should also have revealed that the Trump campaign had its own issues or maybe just that it was a chaotic time, with accusations and counter-accusations being thrown around.

The New Yorker

Maybe I should not have revealed what is going on behind the scenes.

Huffington Post

But should Carell have revealed his identity inasmuch as, sorry Michael, no one I spoke to recognized you at all.

Huffington Post

Moreover, if Rove did not know whether or not Plame was a covert agent, as he claims, that is all the more reason he should not have revealed her to Matt Cooper and possibly others.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should have revealed" when indicating a missed opportunity or obligation to disclose information that would have been beneficial or necessary in a past situation.

Common error

Avoid using "should have revealed" when the intention is to express a current expectation. "Should reveal" is more appropriate for present or future scenarios, while "should have revealed" refers to a past action that did not occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should have revealed" functions as a modal verb construction expressing a past obligation, expectation, or advisability that was not fulfilled. It's used to indicate that someone or something failed to disclose information that would have been beneficial or necessary, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should have revealed" is a common modal verb construction used to express a past obligation, expectation, or advisability that was not met. It carries a tone of criticism, regret, or disappointment, indicating that a failure to disclose information had potentially negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, science, and general writing. Alternatives include "ought to have disclosed" or "was supposed to reveal". It's important to use the correct tense; "should have revealed" refers specifically to a past action, while "should reveal" indicates a present or future action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should have disclosed

A direct synonym, focusing on the act of making information known.

ought to have disclosed

Emphasizes a moral or ethical obligation to reveal information.

was supposed to reveal

Highlights the expectation or agreement to disclose information.

should have made known

Highlights the act of informing or communicating something.

should have brought to light

Focuses on uncovering or exposing something previously hidden.

was required to reveal

Focuses on a formal or legal requirement to make something known.

should have communicated

Emphasizes the act of conveying information effectively.

needed to disclose

Highlights necessity of revealing information, rather than obligation.

should have unveiled

Suggests a formal or ceremonial act of revealing something.

should have brought forth

Implies presenting information or evidence for consideration.

FAQs

How to use "should have revealed" in a sentence?

Use "should have revealed" to express that someone or something had an obligation or opportunity to disclose information in the past but did not. For example: "The company should have revealed the safety concerns earlier."

What can I say instead of "should have revealed"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to have disclosed", "needed to disclose", or "was supposed to reveal" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should have revealed" or "should reveal"?

"Should have revealed" refers to a past action that did not occur, expressing regret or criticism. "Should reveal" implies a present or future obligation or expectation.

What's the difference between "should have revealed" and "could have revealed"?

"Should have revealed" implies an obligation or expectation that was not met. "Could have revealed" suggests a possibility that was not taken, without necessarily implying an obligation.