something hidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something hidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object, idea, or information that is not immediately visible or apparent. Example: "The detective was determined to uncover something hidden in the old mansion that could solve the mystery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

("Something hidden.

The New Yorker

A conspiracy is something hidden.

The New Yorker

Was something hidden behind them?

The New Yorker

Was she searching for something hidden there?

The New Yorker

Something hidden from us, something hidden from Udo himself, seems to be hollowing him out.

The Guardian - Books

In the yard he's got something hidden under a quilt.

The New Yorker

He began to feel something hidden behind the music, & felt her presence in sudden silences.

The New Yorker

There's something hidden in those pictures that you can't really put your finger on".

The New York Times

Has it evolved into something hidden by the politeness of well-meaning British behaviour?

The Guardian - Opinion

When he was a few feet away, the weight of his footfall depressed something hidden in the dirt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They must have something hidden… under the hood".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, use the phrase "something hidden" to create suspense and intrigue, suggesting that there's more to a character or situation than meets the eye.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "something hidden" to vaguely hint at future plot developments. Instead, use concrete details to foreshadow events, making the narrative more engaging and less predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something hidden" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "something" acts as a pronoun and "hidden" is a past participle acting as an adjective modifying "something". Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across varied texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something hidden" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an element that is not immediately visible or apparent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "something hidden", writers should aim to create intrigue and depth without sacrificing clarity. Consider alternatives like "a concealed secret" or "a latent quality" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concealed secret

Replaces "something" with "a secret", emphasizing the confidential nature of what's hidden.

a latent quality

Focuses on the potential or undeveloped aspect of "something hidden", highlighting its dormant state.

an obscured truth

Substitutes "something" with "truth", indicating that the hidden element is factual but not easily perceived.

a veiled mystery

Replaces "hidden" with "veiled", suggesting a covering or disguise that conceals the mystery.

an underlying issue

Highlights that "something hidden" might be a fundamental problem or concern not immediately visible.

a covert element

Replaces "hidden" with "covert", emphasizing the secretive or clandestine nature of the element.

an unseen aspect

Focuses on the lack of visibility of "something hidden", indicating that it is not readily apparent.

a disguised fact

Highlights that "something hidden" is a fact that has been deliberately concealed or misrepresented.

a buried secret

Replaces "hidden" with "buried", implying that the secret has been deliberately suppressed or forgotten.

a clandestine motive

Emphasizes that "something hidden" pertains to an underlying, secretive intention or reason.

FAQs

How can I use "something hidden" in a sentence?

You can use "something hidden" to suggest a secret, a mystery, or an underlying element that is not immediately obvious. For example, "There was "something hidden" in her smile that he couldn't quite decipher."

What are some alternatives to "something hidden"?

Alternatives include "a concealed secret", "a latent quality", or "an obscured truth", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "something hidden" or "something that is hidden"?

"Something hidden" is a more concise and stylistically preferable option in most cases. "Something that is hidden" is grammatically correct but can sound more formal or redundant.

Is it correct to say "there's something hidden"?

Yes, "there's something hidden" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. It's a contraction of "there is something hidden" and is suitable for informal and neutral contexts.