What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detect
Example
The detective was able to detect a faint odor of gasoline at the crime scene. [detect: verb]
Example
The test can detect the presence of drugs in the urine sample. [detect: verb]
reveal
Example
The magician revealed the secret behind his trick. [reveal: verb]
Example
The report revealed that the company had been involved in illegal activities. [reveal: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reveal is more commonly used than detect in everyday language. Reveal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while detect is less common and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detect and reveal?
Detect is typically associated with a more formal tone, while reveal is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
