In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to state a discovery
- Used after thorough investigation
- Signals objective, evidence-based findings
- Common in academic, legal, official reports
Meaning
When something has been carefully studied or investigated, and a new piece of information or a specific outcome has come to light, this phrase is used to formally state that discovery. It carries the weight of a thorough process leading to a clear, undeniable conclusion, often in academic or official settings. Think of it as the authoritative pronouncement of a finding after deep scrutiny.
Key Examples
3 of 10Presenting scientific research at a conference
Our recent examination of the cellular structures `has revealed` a novel protein pathway previously unknown.
Our recent examination of the cellular structures has revealed a novel protein pathway previously unknown.
Writing an official report for a government agency
`This examination has revealed` a clear need for updated safety protocols across all public transportation systems.
This examination has revealed a clear need for updated safety protocols across all public transportation systems.
Discussing archaeological findings in a documentary
Years of painstaking excavation `has revealed` an ancient civilization's complex burial rites.
Years of painstaking excavation has revealed an ancient civilization's complex burial rites.
Cultural Background
In the UK, this phrase is often used with 'understatement.' A doctor might say 'This examination has revealed a bit of a problem' to mean something quite serious. In the US, this phrase is used to establish 'data-driven' authority. It is a way to say 'The numbers don't lie.' Globally, scientists use this phrase to maintain 'objectivity.' It removes the 'I' from the discovery, making it sound like the truth revealed itself. In common law systems, this phrase is used by expert witnesses to provide 'unbiased' testimony.
The 'That' Shortcut
Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence structure easier to manage. 'This examination has revealed THAT [insert fact here].'
Too Formal?
If you use this with your spouse or friends, they will think you are being sarcastic or cold. Use 'I found' or 'I noticed' instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to state a discovery
- Used after thorough investigation
- Signals objective, evidence-based findings
- Common in academic, legal, official reports
What It Means
Imagine you're a detective. You've been meticulously sifting through clues, examining every tiny detail. Finally, you piece it all together, and this examination has revealed the culprit! This phrase means a deep dive into something has uncovered a specific truth or outcome. It's like saying, "After looking closely, here's what we found." It’s the formal way to announce a discovery, often one that took some effort to uncover. It doesn't just show something; it unveils it, often with a sense of gravity.
How To Use It
You'll use this examination has revealed when you want to present findings from a formal process. This could be a scientific study, a financial audit, a medical diagnosis, or even a detailed review of historical documents. It’s perfect for introductions to reports or conclusions in academic papers. Think of it as the grand reveal after all the hard work. For example, This examination has revealed a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish. Sounds much more impressive than just "We found a fish," right?
Formality & Register
This phrase is very formal. It's the kind of language you'd find in a peer-reviewed journal, a legal brief, or a government report. You wouldn't text your friend, "OMG, this examination has revealed I have no milk!" (Unless you're being super sarcastic, which, let's be honest, is totally an option.) Save this one for when you need to sound serious, authoritative, and completely unbiased. It signals that your statement is backed by evidence and rigorous analysis. Using it casually would feel as out of place as wearing a tuxedo to a beach volleyball game.
Real-Life Examples
- In a medical journal:
This examination has revealed a strong correlation between lifestyle factors and disease progression. - From a corporate audit:
The internal examination has revealed several inefficiencies in our supply chain. - In a historical research paper:
A careful examination of ancient texts has revealed new insights into Roman political structures. - During a product review meeting:
Our usability examination has revealed that users struggle with the new interface. - In a legal document:
The forensic examination has revealed no fingerprints at the scene.
It's always about the reveal after the examination.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when: you've completed a thorough analysis, you're presenting objective findings, you need to convey authority, or you're writing formally. It’s ideal for research papers, official reports, academic essays, and professional presentations. It lends credibility to your statements. If you've spent weeks on a project, this examination has revealed is your chance to shine a spotlight on your hard-won conclusions. It’s your mic-drop moment after all the hard work.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this examination has revealed in casual conversations, emails to friends, social media posts, or texting. It's too stiff and formal for everyday interactions. Imagine using it in a TikTok video – it would instantly become a meme! It would sound like you're trying too hard, or perhaps that you've swallowed a dictionary whole. Also, don't use it for trivial discoveries. Finding out you left your keys in the fridge doesn't warrant such gravitas.
Common Mistakes
My examination showed some interesting things.
✓My examination has revealed some interesting findings. (Too informal, lacks impact.)
This looking at the data exposed a problem.
✓This examination of the data has revealed a significant issue. (Less formal, less precise vocabulary.)
We found out that the budget was wrong after checking.
✓Our financial examination has revealed discrepancies in the budget. (Too wordy and informal.)
Common Variations
While this examination has revealed is quite specific, here are some related phrases:
Our investigation showed...(Slightly less formal, more investigative)The analysis indicates that...(Similar formality, more focused on data)Research has demonstrated...(Academic, often used for scientific findings)It has come to light that...(More passive, implies discovery rather than active examination)Findings suggest...(Less conclusive, softer statement)Evidence points to...(Often used in legal or investigative contexts)
Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, but they all share the core idea of uncovering information.
Real Conversations
Professor: "Welcome to the final thesis presentations. Dr. Anya Sharma, your turn."
Dr. Sharma: "Thank you. My recent study on urban biodiversity involved extensive fieldwork. This examination has revealed an unexpected resilience in native insect populations despite rapid urbanization. This challenges previous assumptions."
Journalist: "Can you comment on the audit's preliminary findings?"
Spokesperson: "Our comprehensive audit is still underway, but this examination has revealed certain inconsistencies that require further investigation. We are committed to transparency."
Lawyer: "The judge has reviewed all submitted evidence."
Judge: "Indeed. This examination has revealed no sufficient grounds to proceed with the prosecution. The case is dismissed."
Quick FAQ
- Can I say
the examination revealedinstead ofthis examination has revealed? Yes, absolutely!The examination revealedis a common and perfectly acceptable alternative, often used when the examination itself is the main subject, or the discovery is a past event. - Is
examinationonly for medical contexts? Not at all! While commonly used in medicine,examinationcan refer to any thorough inspection or study – a financial examination, a legal examination, a literary examination, or even an examination of personal habits (though maybe not with this formal phrase!). - What's the difference between
revealedandshown?Revealedimplies uncovering something that was hidden or unknown, often after a deliberate effort.Shownis a broader term, meaning to make visible or evident, without necessarily implying a prior hidden state.Revealedhas a bit more drama and significance. - Is it always about new information? Usually, yes.
This examination has revealedstrongly suggests that the findings are either newly discovered, newly confirmed, or newly understood through the process of examination. It’s about bringing something fresh to light.
Usage Notes
This is a highly formal phrase, primarily reserved for academic, scientific, legal, and official reports. Its use immediately signals a rigorous, objective process leading to a significant finding. Avoid it in casual conversation or informal writing, as it will sound overly stiff and out of place.
The 'That' Shortcut
Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence structure easier to manage. 'This examination has revealed THAT [insert fact here].'
Too Formal?
If you use this with your spouse or friends, they will think you are being sarcastic or cold. Use 'I found' or 'I noticed' instead.
Medical Softening
Doctors use this to distance themselves from bad news. It's not the doctor saying you're sick; it's 'the examination' saying it.
Examples
10Our recent examination of the cellular structures `has revealed` a novel protein pathway previously unknown.
Our recent examination of the cellular structures has revealed a novel protein pathway previously unknown.
Highlights a new discovery from detailed scientific study, maintaining a highly academic tone.
`This examination has revealed` a clear need for updated safety protocols across all public transportation systems.
This examination has revealed a clear need for updated safety protocols across all public transportation systems.
Used to convey a critical finding that necessitates action, typical in policy-making documents.
Years of painstaking excavation `has revealed` an ancient civilization's complex burial rites.
Years of painstaking excavation has revealed an ancient civilization's complex burial rites.
Emphasizes the effort involved in discovery and the profound nature of the findings.
`The financial examination has revealed` minor discrepancies, which we are actively addressing to ensure compliance.
The financial examination has revealed minor discrepancies, which we are actively addressing to ensure compliance.
A professional way to report findings, even minor ones, to a high-level audience.
After a thorough `examination` of my fridge, it `has revealed`... mostly expired yogurt. What a surprise!
After a thorough examination of my fridge, it has revealed... mostly expired yogurt. What a surprise!
Humorous use, ironically applying formal language to a trivial, everyday observation.
Our deep dive into the archives `has revealed` some amazing untold stories about this ancient city! #historyuncovered
Our deep dive into the archives has revealed some amazing untold stories about this ancient city! #historyuncovered
A more approachable, slightly less formal adaptation for social media, retaining the sense of discovery.
My `examination` of Fluffy's recent behavior `has revealed` she's been secretly stealing my socks! The culprit!
My examination of Fluffy's recent behavior has revealed she's been secretly stealing my socks! The culprit!
Playful, informal use of the phrase for a lighthearted observation.
The advanced diagnostic `examination has revealed` a rare genetic marker, changing everything we thought we knew about the patient's condition.
The advanced diagnostic examination has revealed a rare genetic marker, changing everything we thought we knew about the patient's condition.
Used for dramatic effect to announce a critical, game-changing discovery in a medical context.
✗ The comprehensive review `showed` a new trend. → ✓ The comprehensive review `has revealed` a new trend.
✗ The comprehensive review showed a new trend. → ✓ The comprehensive review has revealed a new trend.
Using 'showed' can be too informal; 'has revealed' conveys a more formal, impactful discovery.
✗ We `found out` the cause of the problem. → ✓ Our technical examination `has revealed` the cause of the problem.
✗ We found out the cause of the problem. → ✓ Our technical examination has revealed the cause of the problem.
'Found out' is too colloquial for formal reports; 'has revealed' is much more appropriate.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal report sentence.
This thorough ________ has revealed a flaw in the security system.
'Examination' is the correct formal term for a professional report.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a medical report?
A: I looked at the X-ray and saw a break. B: This examination has revealed a fracture.
B uses the formal register and precise terminology ('fracture' instead of 'break').
Complete the auditor's statement.
Auditor: 'I've finished the review. This examination ________ several unpaid invoices.'
The present perfect is the standard tense for announcing findings from a recently completed study.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Common Contexts
Medical
- • X-rays
- • Blood tests
- • Physicals
Financial
- • Audits
- • Tax reviews
- • Budgeting
Practice Bank
3 exercisesThis thorough ________ has revealed a flaw in the security system.
'Examination' is the correct formal term for a professional report.
A: I looked at the X-ray and saw a break. B: This examination has revealed a fracture.
B uses the formal register and precise terminology ('fracture' instead of 'break').
Auditor: 'I've finished the review. This examination ________ several unpaid invoices.'
The present perfect is the standard tense for announcing findings from a recently completed study.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it sounds more like a story from the past. 'Has revealed' sounds like the news is fresh and important right now.
In school, yes. In professional reports, 'examination' is much better. 'Exam' sounds like a student's test.
In this context, 'concealed' or 'obscured.' You could say 'This examination has failed to reveal...'
Only if you are 'examining' their work or their health. Don't use it to mean you just 'looked' at a person.
'This' is more common when you are presenting the report right now. 'The' is used when referring to a study mentioned earlier.
Related Phrases
The findings suggest
similarA slightly less certain way of announcing results.
Brought to light
similarTo make something known that was hidden.
In light of these findings
builds onBecause of what we just discovered.
Under scrutiny
relatedBeing examined very closely.