What Does โReveal sthโ Mean?
โReveal sthโ means to make something known or visible that was previously hidden or secret.
Introduction
The phrase โreveal sthโ is a common phrasal verb in English used to describe the action of uncovering or showing information, feelings, or objects that were not known before. The word โsthโ is a short form for โsomething,โ so โreveal sthโ means to reveal something. This phrase is useful in everyday conversations, writing, and formal contexts when discussing discoveries, secrets, or facts. Understanding the โreveal sth meaningโ helps learners express how hidden details become clear or public. It is a versatile phrase that fits well in various situations, from casual talks about personal feelings to news reports revealing important information.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: reveal something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to make something known or visible
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โRevealโ is a transitive verb, which means it always needs an object (something that is revealed). It is not separable because โrevealโ is a single verb, not a two-word phrasal verb like โturn off.โ The pattern follows:
- Subject + reveal + something
- Example: The report revealed the truth.
You cannot place any word between โrevealโ and its object.
How to Use โReveal sthโ?
You use โreveal sthโ when you want to say that someone or something shows information or facts that were hidden or unknown. It is often used in news, stories, personal conversations, and reports. It can refer to physical things, like a hidden object, or abstract things like feelings, secrets, or facts.
Examples
Here are some natural examples showing how to use โreveal sth in a sentenceโ:
- The investigation revealed new evidence in the case.
- Her smile revealed her happiness after the good news.
- The artist revealed the painting at the exhibition.
- The study revealed that many people prefer online shopping.
- He finally revealed his true feelings to her.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse โrevealโ with other verbs or make mistakes with the sentence structure. Here are common errors:
- Incorrect: She revealed to the secret.
- Correct: She revealed the secret.
- Incorrect: The report revealed about the problem.
- Correct: The report revealed the problem.
Remember, โrevealโ does not need prepositions like โtoโ or โaboutโ after it.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs and verbs include โdisclose,โ โuncover,โ and โshow.โ While all mean to make something known, โrevealโ often implies something hidden is uncovered clearly and sometimes unexpectedly.
- Disclose: Often used in formal or legal contexts (e.g., disclose information).
- Uncover: Focuses on finding something hidden or secret.
- Show: More general and less about secrets.
For example, โreveal a secretโ emphasizes making hidden information public, while โshow a secretโ is less common.
Common Collocations
We often use โrevealโ with certain objects. Here are common collocations with their meanings:
- Reveal the truth โ make the real facts known
- Reveal secrets โ tell hidden or private information
- Reveal information โ provide facts or details
- Reveal feelings โ show emotions that were hidden
- Reveal results โ announce outcomes or findings
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โreveal sthโ:
Anna: Did you hear about the new project?
Mark: No, what is it?
Anna: The manager revealed the details in the meeting this morning.
Mark: Great! I canโt wait to learn more.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of โrevealโ and an object:
- The investigation _______ important facts about the accident.
- Her expression _______ that she was surprised.
- The report _______ no new evidence.
- Can you _______ the secret to me?
FAQs
- Q: Is โrevealโ a phrasal verb?
A: โRevealโ is a verb but not a phrasal verb with a particle. โReveal sthโ means revealing something. - Q: Can I use โrevealโ without an object?
A: No, โrevealโ is transitive and needs an object (something revealed). - Q: What is the difference between โrevealโ and โdiscloseโ?
A: โRevealโ is more general; โdiscloseโ is often formal or legal. - Q: Can โrevealโ be used for feelings?
A: Yes, you can reveal feelings, emotions, or thoughts. - Q: Is โrevealโ separable?
A: No, โrevealโ is not separable. The object always follows the verb directly.
