Reveal vs They're showing a tom mix picture

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

Reveal

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

They're showing a tom mix picture

Top 2,000 (common)
 RevealThey're showing a tom mix picture
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl//🇬🇧 //ʃoʊ//🇺🇸 //ʃoʊ//
MeaningTo show something that was hidden.They are displaying a movie featuring Tom Mix.
ExampleThe magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.They're showing a Tom Mix picture at the local theater.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsreveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findingsshow a film, show a picture, show appreciation, show results, show interest
Antonymsconceal, hide, suppress-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Confusing 'show' with 'tell' (which means to explain verbally), Using 'show' for invisible or abstract concepts, where 'present' may be more appropriate, Incorrectly conjugating 'show' in different tenses
Usage notesUse 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.Use 'show' in contexts where displaying something visually is intended. It is common in both spoken and written English.

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They're showing a tom mix picture

Frequently asked questions: Reveal vs They're showing a tom mix picture

What's the difference between Reveal and They're showing a tom mix picture?

Reveal: To show something that was hidden. They're showing a tom mix picture: They are displaying a movie featuring Tom Mix.

Can you show an example of each?

Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. They're showing a tom mix picture: They're showing a Tom Mix picture at the local theater.

Can I use Reveal and They're showing a tom mix picture interchangeably?

Not always. Reveal and They're showing a tom mix picture 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.

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