In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce conclusions based on evidence or statistics.
- Sounds authoritative, professional, and objective in meetings.
- Ideal for presentations, reports, and data-driven discussions.
- Implies uncovering a hidden truth or a clear trend.
Meaning
This phrase is your 'mic drop' moment in a professional setting. It tells your audience that you aren't just guessing or sharing an opinion; you are pointing to cold, hard facts that tell a story. It feels authoritative, objective, and deeply convincing because it lets the numbers do the talking for you.
Key Examples
3 of 10Presenting quarterly results
The data reveals that our new marketing strategy increased engagement by 40%.
The data reveals that our new marketing strategy increased engagement by 40%.
Discussing app user behavior
Our latest analytics reveal that most users drop off at the checkout page.
Our latest analytics reveal that most users drop off at the checkout page.
Writing a LinkedIn post about trends
The data reveals that remote work is still the top priority for tech talent in 2024.
The data reveals that remote work is still the top priority for tech talent in 2024.
Cultural Background
In US business culture, being 'data-driven' is a major compliment. Using this phrase makes you sound objective and less emotional, which is highly valued in decision-making. German professionals value precision. While they use similar phrases, they might prefer 'Die Daten belegen' (The data proves/confirms) if the evidence is very strong. In Japan, direct confrontation is often avoided. A speaker might use a softer version like 'The data seems to show' to avoid sounding too aggressive toward a superior's opinion. In scientific journals worldwide, this phrase is a 'safe' way to present findings without claiming absolute truth, which is a core value of the scientific method.
The Power of One Word
Using 'reveals' instead of 'shows' makes you sound like you've done deeper analysis, even if the data is simple.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'the data reveals' in every sentence, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'the numbers show' or 'we can see that.'
In 15 Seconds
- Used to introduce conclusions based on evidence or statistics.
- Sounds authoritative, professional, and objective in meetings.
- Ideal for presentations, reports, and data-driven discussions.
- Implies uncovering a hidden truth or a clear trend.
What It Means
Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone is just guessing? This phrase is your superhero cape. It moves the conversation from 'I think' to 'we know.' When you say The data reveals that, you are acting like a translator. You are taking a messy pile of numbers and turning them into a clear message. It implies a sense of discovery. It is not just about showing something obvious. It is about uncovering a truth that was hidden in the charts. The word reveals adds a touch of drama. It suggests that the information was there all along, waiting for you to find it. This phrase gives you instant credibility. It makes you sound like an expert who has done their homework. It is the linguistic equivalent of pointing at a smoking gun in a courtroom. Use it when you want to stop the debate and start taking action based on reality.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like building a sturdy bridge. On one side, you have your source, like the survey or the latest report. On the other side, you have your big conclusion. You connect them with reveals that. For example, The survey reveals that users want a dark mode. Notice how data can be tricky. In modern English, we usually treat it as a singular lump of information. You can say the data reveals (singular) or the data reveal (plural). The singular version is much more common in business today. Don't worry, the grammar police won't arrest you for either! Just make sure your conclusion follows the word that immediately. It should be a full, clear sentence. Keep it simple so the 'reveal' actually lands with impact. It is like opening a gift; you want the surprise to be the focus, not the wrapping paper.
Formality & Register
This is a high-level professional tool. It lives in boardrooms, tech conferences, and academic journals. It is definitely on the formal side of the street. You wouldn't use this while texting your friend about where to get pizza. Well, unless you want to be extremely sarcastic about your budget! In a job interview or a presentation, it is gold. It shows you have an analytical mind. It belongs in the neutral to formal categories. It is the 'suit and tie' of expressions. It is polished, clean, and serious. However, it is not so stiff that it feels robotic. It still feels human because it focuses on the act of showing a truth. If you use it in a casual setting, people might think you are a bit of a nerd. But hey, nerds run the world now, right? Use it to sound smart without sounding like an old dictionary.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are a YouTuber checking your analytics page. You see that people stop watching after two minutes. You tell your editor, The data reveals that our intros are too long. That is a perfect, modern use. Or think about a marketing team looking at TikTok trends. They might say, The data reveals that Gen Z prefers raw, unedited videos. It is used constantly in news reports about the economy or health. You might see a headline like, New data reveals that coffee drinkers live longer. (We all hope that one is true!) In a Zoom call, you might use it to justify a budget cut. The data reveals that we are spending too much on ads that don't convert. It is the ultimate tool for anyone who works with screens and spreadsheets. It turns boring rows of numbers into a story people actually care about.
When To Use It
Use this when the evidence is clear and undeniable. It is perfect for the climax of a presentation. When you want to transition from 'observations' to 'decisions,' this is your phrase. It is great for written reports where you need to summarize complex findings. Use it when you need to be persuasive but don't want to sound aggressive. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' you say The data reveals that... It shifts the 'blame' or 'pressure' onto the facts. It is also excellent for scientific contexts or tech blogs. If you are writing a LinkedIn post about industry trends, this phrase will make you look like a thought leader. It is for those moments when you want to be the smartest person in the room without having to shout. It is the quiet confidence of someone who has the receipts.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for personal feelings. If you say The data reveals that I am sad, people will look at you very strangely. Data comes from outside of you, not from your heart. Avoid it when the information is just a guess or a 'hunch.' If you aren't 100% sure about the numbers, use suggests instead of reveals. Reveals is strong; don't use it if the evidence is weak. Also, avoid it in very casual social situations. Don't tell your date, The data reveals that you like spicy food. That is a one-way ticket to a very lonely evening! It is also overkill for tiny, unimportant things. You don't need 'data' to reveal that the sky is blue or that your coffee is cold. Save the 'big guns' for the big moments. Overusing it makes it lose its 'wow' factor.
Common Mistakes
One big mistake is adding us after reveals. ✗ The data reveals us that sales are down. → ✓ The data reveals that sales are down. The word reveals doesn't need an object like me or us in this structure. Another slip-up is using it without actual data. If you are just sharing an opinion, don't pretend it is data. People will smell the BS from a mile away! Some learners also forget the word that. ✗ The data reveals sales are down. While people might understand you, it sounds a bit naked and informal. Another error is using the wrong verb tense. If you are talking about a report from last year, use revealed. If you are talking about a trend that is still happening, use reveals. Don't mix them up like a bad DJ at a wedding. Accuracy is the whole point of this phrase!
Common Variations
If reveals feels too dramatic, you have plenty of options. The data shows that is the most common and neutral version. It is like the 'plain white t-shirt' of data phrases. The findings suggest that is great when you want to be a bit more cautious. It says, 'this is likely true, but we aren't betting our lives on it.' The evidence indicates that sounds a bit more like a detective or a scientist. If you want to be very strong, use The data proves that. But be careful—proof is hard to come by! In more modern tech circles, you might hear The analytics highlight that. This is very common in SEO or social media marketing. The report underscores that is a fancy way to say it is very important. Think of these as different volume levels on your 'truth' speaker.
Real Conversations
Manager
Designer
the data reveals that most users leave the site within five seconds on mobile.Manager
Designer
Student
Professor
the latest data reveals that it actually helps some groups stay more connected.Student
Professor
Quick FAQ
Is 'data' singular or plural? Technically, it is the plural of 'datum,' but in the 21st century, almost everyone uses it as a singular mass noun. You can say the data reveals and sound perfectly natural. Should I use 'reveals' or 'shows'? Use reveals when the point you are making is a bit of a surprise or a key discovery. Use shows for general information. Reveals is like a magic trick; shows is like a map. Can I use this in an email? Absolutely! It is perfect for 'per my last email' situations where you need to prove a point. Just make sure you actually attach the data you are talking about! Does it sound too arrogant? Not if you have the facts to back it up. It sounds professional and prepared. Just don't use it to argue about whose turn it is to do the dishes.
Usage Notes
This phrase is most effective in formal and professional registers. Be careful to treat 'data' as singular (reveals) in most business contexts, though plural (reveal) is acceptable in academia. Always follow with a full, clear clause starting with 'that'.
The Power of One Word
Using 'reveals' instead of 'shows' makes you sound like you've done deeper analysis, even if the data is simple.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'the data reveals' in every sentence, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'the numbers show' or 'we can see that.'
Softening the Blow
If the data reveals something bad about a colleague's work, try 'The data suggests we might need to look at...' to be more polite.
Singular vs Plural
If you are in a very formal academic interview, use 'The data reveal' (plural) to impress the professors.
Examples
10The data reveals that our new marketing strategy increased engagement by 40%.
The data reveals that our new marketing strategy increased engagement by 40%.
Here, 'reveals' highlights a positive discovery from the numbers.
Our latest analytics reveal that most users drop off at the checkout page.
Our latest analytics reveal that most users drop off at the checkout page.
Using 'reveal' (plural) because the speaker views 'analytics' as multiple data points.
The data reveals that remote work is still the top priority for tech talent in 2024.
The data reveals that remote work is still the top priority for tech talent in 2024.
This sounds authoritative and makes the writer seem like an industry expert.
The data reveals that you haven't washed a single dish in three weeks, Dave.
The data reveals that you haven't washed a single dish in three weeks, Dave.
Using a formal phrase in a casual setting for a humorous, dramatic effect.
✗ The data reveals us that the market is crashing. → ✓ The data reveals that the market is crashing.
The data reveals that the market is crashing.
Do not add 'us' or 'me' after 'reveals' in this structure.
The data reveals a worrying trend in rising sea levels over the last decade.
The data reveals a worrying trend in rising sea levels over the last decade.
In this case, 'that' is omitted because the object is a noun phrase ('a worrying trend').
My Spotify Wrapped data reveals that I listened to 80s synth-pop for 400 hours.
My Spotify Wrapped data reveals that I listened to 80s synth-pop for 400 hours.
Modern context using a popular app's data summary.
In my last role, the data revealed that simplifying the UI led to a 20% sales boost.
In my last role, the data revealed that simplifying the UI led to a 20% sales boost.
Using the past tense 'revealed' to talk about a previous achievement.
✗ New data reveals people like dogs more than cats. → ✓ New data reveals that people like dogs more than cats.
New data reveals that people like dogs more than cats.
While 'that' is sometimes omitted in casual speech, it is best to include it for professional clarity.
My Apple Watch data reveals that I'm actually much lazier than I thought.
My Apple Watch data reveals that I'm actually much lazier than I thought.
Self-deprecating humor using personal tech data.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Our latest survey is finished. The ______ ______ that 90% of customers are happy.
In modern English, 'the data reveals' is the standard singular form for this expression.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Select the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase to introduce a factual, evidence-based conclusion.
Choose the best response for the analyst.
Boss: 'Why did our website traffic drop on Tuesday?' Analyst: '_________________'
This provides a factual, data-driven reason for the drop in traffic.
Match the phrase variation to the level of certainty.
1. The data reveals that... 2. The data suggests that... 3. The data proves that...
'Reveals' is for facts, 'suggests' is for possibilities, and 'proves' is for absolute certainty.
Match the formal phrase with its informal equivalent.
Formal: The data reveals that...
'The numbers show' is the neutral/informal equivalent of 'The data reveals.'
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Certainty Levels
Where to use it
Professional
- • Meetings
- • Reports
- • Emails
Practice Bank
5 exercisesOur latest survey is finished. The ______ ______ that 90% of customers are happy.
In modern English, 'the data reveals' is the standard singular form for this expression.
Select the best option:
This sentence uses the phrase to introduce a factual, evidence-based conclusion.
Boss: 'Why did our website traffic drop on Tuesday?' Analyst: '_________________'
This provides a factual, data-driven reason for the drop in traffic.
1. The data reveals that... 2. The data suggests that... 3. The data proves that...
'Reveals' is for facts, 'suggests' is for possibilities, and 'proves' is for absolute certainty.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'The numbers show' is the neutral/informal equivalent of 'The data reveals.'
🎉 Score: /5
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIn modern English, it is usually singular ('the data is'). In formal science, it is plural ('the data are').
No, that would sound sarcastic. Use it only for facts and numbers.
'Reveals' sounds more dramatic and suggests a discovery. 'Shows' is more basic.
Yes, in this specific phrase, 'that' connects the verb to the fact you are sharing.
No, you should say 'The data reveals to us' or just 'The data reveals that...'
Yes, it is equally common in American, British, and Australian English.
Yes, 'The data revealed that' is perfect for talking about a study that is finished.
Yes! It makes you sound very professional and evidence-based.
You can say 'The data appears to reveal that...' to be more cautious.
Usually, 'data' implies a collection of numbers, but you can use it for one very important statistic.
In a business setting, yes. It is much more persuasive.
Not necessarily a secret, but something that wasn't obvious until you looked at the numbers.
Related Phrases
The evidence suggests that
similarUsed when the conclusion is likely but not 100% certain.
The numbers show that
similarA more neutral, slightly less formal version.
Contrary to popular belief
contrastUsed when the data shows the opposite of what people think.
The findings indicate that
specialized formSpecific to research and formal studies.
It turns out that
informalUsed to describe a surprising result in casual speech.