to be concealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be concealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is meant to be hidden or kept out of sight. Example: "The treasure was said to be concealed within the ancient ruins, waiting to be discovered by adventurers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

- to be concealed.

The Guardian - Books

Even fear had to be concealed.

The Guardian

They're not highlighted, but they weren't meant to be concealed.

The New York Times

Now it's less likely to be concealed than liposuction.

The New York Times

A hot streak turns cold; soon there are losses to be concealed.

The New Yorker

Later, he purchased a used.380 semi-automatic, which was flat enough to be concealed.

The New Yorker

What used to be concealed from the public for reasons of decency is now common knowledge.

The Guardian - Music

He is holed up in his presidential palace, with tanks said to be concealed in dug-outs for his protection.

The Economist

One interesting detail is that all the women she interviewed asked for their identities to be concealed; no man did.

The Economist

Its name is derived from the Greek lanthanein, meaning "to be concealed," indicating that it is difficult to isolate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They practically wear on their sleeves what is supposed to be concealed -- their sensitivity and their attraction for each other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be concealed", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being hidden and the reason for concealment. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be concealed" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. This can make the text sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "to be hidden" or "to be masked" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be concealed" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to express the need or possibility for something to be hidden. Ludwig shows examples across various domains where this phrase clearly indicates the action of hiding or keeping something from sight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be concealed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies the need or intention for something to be hidden or kept out of sight. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it often leans towards a more formal register, especially when used in scientific or business contexts. To avoid redundancy, writers can consider using alternatives such as "to be hidden" or "to be masked". In conclusion, "to be concealed" is a useful and appropriate phrase in many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be hidden

Emphasizes the act of hiding something.

to be kept secret

Focuses on maintaining confidentiality.

to be disguised

Focuses on altering the appearance to prevent recognition.

to be obscured

Indicates that something is made difficult to see or understand.

to be masked

Implies covering something up, often flaws or true intentions.

to be withheld

Emphasizes the act of holding back information.

to be camouflaged

Suggests blending in with the surroundings to avoid detection.

to be suppressed

Implies forceful prevention of something from being known or expressed.

to be covered up

Highlights the act of preventing something from being revealed, often a scandal or mistake.

to be secreted

Suggests a deliberate and careful act of hiding.

FAQs

How can I use "to be concealed" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be concealed" typically describes something that needs to be hidden or kept out of sight. For example, "The weapon was designed "to be concealed" easily."

What are some alternatives to "to be concealed"?

Alternatives include "to be hidden", "to be disguised", or "to be kept secret", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be concealed" or "to be hidden"?

Both "to be concealed" and "to be hidden" are correct, but "to be concealed" often implies a more deliberate or strategic act of hiding something. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "to be concealed" and "to be masked"?

"To be concealed" generally means to hide something from view, while "to be masked" suggests covering something up, often to hide its true nature or identity. Therefore, "to be masked" is usually associated with hiding flaws, feelings, or bad intentions rather than plain objects.