was uncovered

USAGE SUMMARY

"was uncovered" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was previously hidden or unknown, but has now been revealed or discovered. Example: The truth about the politician's scandalous past was uncovered by investigative journalists, causing a media frenzy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her face was uncovered.

The New York Times

The coffin was uncovered.

The Guardian - Books

The deception was uncovered.

The Guardian

The fossil was uncovered in Messel, Germany.

The New York Times - Science

But the mound was uncovered.

The New York Times - Sports

In April, the new breach was uncovered.

The Washington Post

That's all that was uncovered in Pennsylvania.

The Washington Post

As the raids continued, more evidence was uncovered.

The Guardian

The plot was uncovered after the 1967 war.

The Guardian

When this futuristic new secret was uncovered – tape machines!

The Guardian - Books

The plot was uncovered by Britain's security services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was uncovered" when you want to emphasize the revealing of something that was previously hidden or unknown. It often implies a process of discovery or investigation.

Common error

While "was uncovered" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing with an active verb where appropriate for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was uncovered" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something (the subject) had something revealed or discovered. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its application across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was uncovered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote the revealing of something previously concealed or unknown. As showcased by the examples, its usage spans diverse domains like news, science, and academia, signaling a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that while correct, over-reliance on passive voice can diminish the directness of your prose. Alternatives such as "was revealed" or "came to light" can offer stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was revealed

Focuses more on the act of making something known, often after being hidden.

was discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something previously unknown or hidden.

came to light

Suggests that something became public knowledge after being secret.

was exposed

Implies that something was revealed, often with negative connotations.

was brought to light

Similar to "came to light", but with a more active voice feel.

was unearthed

Often used when something is literally dug up, but also metaphorically for finding information.

was found

A simpler way to express discovery, suitable for less formal contexts.

was detected

Suggests a more subtle or technical finding.

was brought into the open

Focuses on the transition from secrecy to public knowledge.

was identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or naming something that was previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "was uncovered" in a sentence?

Use "was uncovered" to describe the revealing of something previously hidden or unknown. For example, "The truth about the scandal "was uncovered" during the investigation".

What can I say instead of "was uncovered"?

You can use alternatives like "was revealed", "was discovered", or "came to light depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was uncovered" or "has been uncovered"?

Both "was uncovered" and "has been uncovered" are grammatically correct, but they have different implications. "Was uncovered" refers to a completed action in the past, while "has been uncovered" implies a more recent discovery with potential ongoing relevance.

What's the difference between "was uncovered" and "was discovered"?

While similar, "was uncovered" often suggests a deliberate effort to reveal something hidden, whereas "was discovered" can imply a more accidental or incidental finding.