What's the main difference between "reveal" and "expose?" Could you give me some examples?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Good question. "Reveal" and "expose" have different uses and meanings, although they both generally mean to uncover that which was formerly hidden, invisible, or unknown. "Expose" has a broad definition and means to reveal, uncover, make visible, bring to light, or introduce something or someone. In this case, "we were working on a case which could have exposed her" means that they were working on a case that could have made her vulnerable to danger, that would have uncovered her identity. Ex: Wear sunscreen when you go outside, or you will be exposed to harsh UV rays. Ex: The exposed side of the wall hard oxidized over time. Ex: The politician's lies were finally exposed. To "reveal" means to uncover, show, or display something that was hidden. Ex: He revealed his deepest secrets to me. Ex: Don't reveal too many details to our business competitors.
