Disclose vs If you don't open that case vs Reveal

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Disclose

FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb

If you don't open that case

Top 2,000 (common)

Reveal

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: Disclose
 DiscloseIf you don't open that caseReveal
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkləʊz//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkloʊz//🇬🇧 //əʊpən//🇺🇸 //oʊpən//🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl//
MeaningTo make something known or publicTo make something visible or usable.To show something that was hidden.
ExampleThe company decided to disclose its financial results to the public.If you don't open that case, we won't find the evidence inside.The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.
RegisterFormalNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-B2
Part of speechverbverb
Collocationsdisclose information, disclose a secret, disclose detailsopen a door, open a window, open an account, open a file, open discussionreveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findings
Antonymsconceal, hide-conceal, hide, suppress
Common mistakesConfused with 'clothe' - 'disclose' does not involve clothing., Incorrect verb form - using 'discloser' instead of 'disclose'.Confusing with 'close' - understanding opposites., Using 'open' transitively when it’s not needed, e.g., 'open' without an object., 'Opened' as a past tense for something still ongoing.Confused with 'reveal' vs 'disclose'. 'Reveal' implies showing something hidden, while 'disclose' implies make known., Incorrectly using 'reveal' with an implied object. Must specify what is being revealed., Overusing in casual contexts where simpler words like 'show' may be more appropriate.
Usage notesUsed primarily in formal contexts, such as legal or business environments. Avoid in casual conversation.Use 'open' for physical objects like doors and cases, as well as abstract concepts like discussions or plans. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.Use 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.

See it in real clips

If you don't open that case

Frequently asked questions: Disclose vs If you don't open that case vs Reveal

What's the difference between Disclose, If you don't open that case, and Reveal?

Disclose: To make something known or public If you don't open that case: To make something visible or usable. Reveal: To show something that was hidden.

Which is more formal: Disclose, If you don't open that case, and Reveal?

Disclose is the most formal of these.

Which is more advanced: Disclose, If you don't open that case, and Reveal?

Disclose is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.

Can you show an example of each?

Disclose: The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. If you don't open that case: If you don't open that case, we won't find the evidence inside. Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.

Can I use Disclose, If you don't open that case, and Reveal interchangeably?

Not always. Disclose, If you don't open that case, and Reveal are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons