to be found out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be found out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone discovering the truth about a situation, or when someone is exposed for a mistake or act of dishonesty. Example: "She was horrified at the thought of her deception being found out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you defraud a public agency, you're going to be found out and prosecuted".

The New York Times

I was terrified that I was going to be found out: that I was this impostor.

The Guardian - Books

"Unmarried and afraid to be found out, I took some pills to get rid of it.

The Guardian

The means are different now, including the means to be found out".

The Guardian

It's just people trying to get on, and not wanting to be found out".

The New Yorker

It's unnerving to think that you never know what's going to be found out here".

The New York Times

And there's still much more to be found out that I'm sure we'll be amazed at as we learn it.

University of California, Berkeley

Now, weirdly, she's the character I connect with most because I feel like we're all waiting to be found out".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But with three Mexican restaurants opening in London within weeks, are these imposters soon to be found out?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or is it that he knew about it in advance and doesn't want to be found out?

The Washington Post

You wanted to be found out! We've reached out to Mr. Sietsema, but haven't heard back yet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be found out" when you want to emphasize the potential for something hidden or secret to be revealed, especially when there's an element of risk or consequence involved.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions with "to be found out" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "The truth was to be found out by the investigators", consider "The investigators were to find out the truth."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be found out" primarily functions as part of a passive infinitive construction. It indicates the potential for something to be discovered or revealed, often with an implication of secrecy or wrongdoing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be found out" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey the potential for something hidden or secret to be revealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase carries a neutral to informal register, often implying a degree of risk or negative consequence associated with the revelation. While synonyms such as "to be discovered" or "to be exposed" exist, "to be found out" maintains a distinct nuance that suits scenarios where exposure is not only possible but potentially problematic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be discovered

Focuses on the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

to be exposed

Emphasizes the revelation of something hidden or scandalous.

to be revealed

Suggests a more formal or dramatic unveiling of information.

to be uncovered

Highlights the process of removing a covering or disguise.

to be brought to light

Implies a deliberate effort to make something known.

to be caught

Focuses on being apprehended or detected in wrongdoing.

to be detected

Emphasizes the act of noticing or sensing something.

to be unveiled

Suggests a grand or ceremonial reveal.

to be unearthed

Implies a careful search or excavation to find something.

to come to light

Describes information becoming public or known.

FAQs

How can I use "to be found out" in a sentence?

You can use "to be found out" to indicate the possibility of a secret or hidden truth being discovered, as in "He feared his lies would eventually "to be found out"."

What's the difference between "to be found out" and "to be discovered"?

"To be discovered" generally refers to the simple act of finding something previously unknown. "To be found out", in contrast, often implies that there is something negative or secret that is being revealed, carrying a connotation of exposure or consequence.

What are some synonyms for "to be found out"?

Alternatives include "to be exposed", "to be revealed", or "to come to light", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "to be found out" formal or informal?

"To be found out" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media or general writing than in highly technical or academic contexts.