Cool MateReveal vs Share
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Reveal
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Share
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Share
| Reveal | Share | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ʃeə(r)/","/ʃeəz/","/ʃeəd/","/ˈʃeərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ʃer/","/ʃerz/","/ʃerd/","/ˈʃerɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To show something that was hidden. | To let someone use or have part of something that you have. |
| Example | The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. | I will share my toys with my friends. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | reveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findings | fully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared, fully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared, fully, equally, broadly, want to, would like to, be prepared to, among, between, in, widely shared |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide, suppress | hoard, keep, withhold |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using 'share' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will share' instead of 'I will share my lunch'), Confusing 'share' with 'sharpen', Incorrectly using 'share' as a noun rather than a verb (e.g., saying 'the share of the book' instead of 'the sharing of the book') |
| Usage notes | Use 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. | Use 'share' when talking about dividing resources or experiences. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very formal contexts where more specific terms may be required. |
Frequently asked questions: Reveal vs Share
What's the difference between Reveal and Share?
Reveal: To show something that was hidden. Share: To let someone use or have part of something that you have.
Which is more common: Reveal and Share?
Share is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Reveal and Share?
Reveal is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Reveal and Share the same CEFR level?
Reveal: B2, Share: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Reveal and Share?
Reveal: verb, Share: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. Share: I will share my toys with my friends.
Can I use Reveal and Share interchangeably?
Not always. Reveal and Share 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.