were revealed to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were revealed to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing findings or discoveries that clarify the true nature or identity of something or someone. Example: "The results of the investigation were revealed to be more complex than initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The claims were revealed to be unfounded.

Independent

Those hot pants were revealed to be in sparkly tweeds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heart-rending scenes from "Antiques Roadshow" were revealed to be staged.

The New York Times

Refugees' daily protests photographed through the wire of the detention centre were revealed to be staged beside an open gate.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the ensuing political storm, however, the Mail's key letters were revealed to be fabricated, and the paper's reputation suffered.

The Guardian

After the images were revealed to be a hoax, Morgan was fired.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2008, the other two angels were revealed to be on gateposts at Harrowden Hall, a country house that is now owned by the Wellingborough golf club.

The Guardian - Arts

In 1998, for example, several trustees were revealed to be taking expense-paid trips and other gifts from people trying to do business with the fund.

The New York Times

After the Challenger expeditions, the deeps were revealed to be as rich in life as a riverbed or a tropical jungle.

The Guardian - Books

The gaunt landscapes were revealed to be the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the westernmost point of the British mainland, in the Scottish Highlands.

The New Yorker

What turned inside out, after his death, was that reality: the inner surface and the outer show, like a magician's bag, were revealed to be interchangeable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were revealed to be", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what did the revealing. Providing this information enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "were revealed to be" when a simpler statement of fact would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. For example, instead of "The results were revealed to be positive", simply state "The results were positive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were revealed to be" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that something previously unknown or concealed has become known. It commonly connects a subject with a characteristic or quality that has been uncovered or disclosed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were revealed to be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction that serves to highlight the discovery or disclosure of previously unknown information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, this phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is used to inform audiences of a shift in understanding. Alternatives like "were found to be" or "were discovered to be" offer similar meanings, while maintaining clarity and avoiding overuse is crucial for effective communication. By recognizing its function, purpose, and register, writers can leverage "were revealed to be" to enhance their narrative and informational writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were discovered to be

Emphasizes the act of finding something previously unknown.

were found to be

Indicates a finding after some investigation or search.

were shown to be

Suggests proof or demonstration through evidence.

were proven to be

Highlights that something has been definitively established as true.

were disclosed as

Focuses on the act of making something known that was previously secret or private.

were identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or establishing the identity of something.

were recognized as

Indicates acknowledgment or awareness of a particular quality or status.

were unveiled as

Implies a dramatic or ceremonial introduction of new information.

became known as

Focuses on the gradual process of something becoming publicly acknowledged.

turned out to be

Suggests an unexpected or surprising outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "were revealed to be" in a sentence?

Use "were revealed to be" to describe something that was previously unknown or hidden but has now been made clear. For instance, "The suspect's motives "were revealed to be" financial gain".

What are some alternatives to "were revealed to be"?

You can use alternatives like "were found to be", "were discovered to be", or "were shown to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were revealed to be"?

The phrase "were revealed to be" is inherently passive. While grammatically correct, consider if using the active voice would make the sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The truth "were revealed to be" by the investigation", you could write "The investigation revealed the truth".

What's the difference between "were revealed to be" and "were discovered to be"?

"Were revealed to be" implies that something was intentionally hidden or obscure, whereas "were discovered to be" simply means something was found. The former suggests a process of unveiling, while the latter suggests a finding through investigation or chance.