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B2 noun #4,000 most common 13 min read

expose

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips expose in 30 Seconds

Explanation expose in your Level:

An exposé is like a big story that tells a secret. Imagine someone does something bad, like taking toys from other children and hiding them. If you write a story that shows everyone where the toys are and who took them, that is like a small exposé. In the real world, grown-ups use this word for stories in newspapers or on TV. These stories tell the truth about bad things that people tried to hide. It is a very important story because it helps people know the truth. You usually hear this word when something very surprising is discovered. Even though the word is long, you can think of it as a 'secret-telling story'. It helps us learn when someone is not being honest.

At the A2 level, you can understand an exposé as a special kind of report. Most reports just tell you what happened today, like the weather or a sports game. But an exposé is different. It is a report that uncovers a secret, usually a bad secret. For example, if a factory is making the air dirty and they say they are not, a journalist might write an exposé to show the truth. This word is a noun, which means it is a thing. You can read an exposé, or you can watch an exposé on television. It is often about someone famous or a big company doing something wrong. When you see this word, you know that the story will be very interesting and a little bit shocking.

An exposé is a piece of investigative journalism that reveals the truth about a situation, especially one that involves dishonesty or a crime. It is more than just a regular news article; it is a detailed investigation that often takes a long time to complete. The goal of an exposé is to bring hidden facts to light so that the public can see what is really going on. For example, a reporter might spend months looking into how a government spends its money. If they find that the money is being stolen, they will publish an exposé. This word is very common in the media and is used to describe reports that have a big impact on society. It often results in people getting in trouble or laws being changed.

An exposé is a formal piece of investigative work, such as a report, film, or article, that reveals hidden facts about a scandal, crime, or systemic dishonesty. At the B2 level, you should recognize that an exposé is intended to provoke public shock and often leads to legal or social consequences. It is a 'hard-hitting' form of journalism that requires significant evidence and verification. The term is borrowed from French, which is why it is pronounced 'ex-po-ZAY'. You will frequently see it used in the context of corporate corruption, political scandals, or environmental issues. Using the word 'exposé' instead of 'report' suggests that the information being revealed was intentionally concealed and that its revelation is a matter of public interest.

In advanced English, an exposé is understood as a critical tool of accountability within a democratic society. It represents the culmination of rigorous investigative journalism, where the objective is to dismantle a facade of propriety and reveal the underlying corruption or malfeasance. An exposé is not merely a disclosure of facts; it is a narrative constructed to highlight systemic failures or ethical breaches. It often involves the use of whistleblowers, leaked documents, and undercover operations. The impact of a C1-level exposé is measured by its ability to shift public discourse, trigger official inquiries, or result in significant institutional reform. The term carries a connotation of bravery on the part of the journalist and gravity regarding the subject matter.

At the C2 level, 'exposé' is recognized as a powerful rhetorical and journalistic device used to challenge entrenched power structures. It is a definitive unmasking of systemic injustice, often characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its adherence to the highest standards of evidence. An exposé at this level might explore the intricate webs of global finance, the hidden mechanisms of political influence, or the ethical quagmires of emerging technologies. It is a form of truth-telling that refuses to accept official narratives, seeking instead to reveal the 'unvarnished truth'. The word implies a sense of finality—once an exposé is published, the subject can no longer hide behind their previous denials. It is the ultimate manifestation of the 'fourth estate's' role in holding the powerful to account.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

expose in 30 Seconds

An exposé is a detailed investigative report, film, or article that reveals hidden truths about scandals, corruption, or crimes to the public.
It is a noun borrowed from French, often used in journalism to describe high-stakes revelations that lead to public outcry or legal action.
Commonly paired with adjectives like 'shocking' or 'blistering', it focuses on uncovering systemic issues rather than just reporting daily news events.
The primary goal of an exposé is accountability, bringing secret wrongdoings into the light to provoke change or institutional reform.

An exposé is a sophisticated piece of investigative work, typically found in journalism, film, or literature, that aims to reveal hidden truths about a specific subject. Unlike a standard news report that covers daily events, an exposé delves deep into systemic issues, corruption, or scandals that the perpetrators would prefer to keep secret. When you hear the word exposé, you should immediately think of a 'deep dive' into something controversial. It is not merely a statement of facts; it is a calculated revelation intended to provoke a reaction, whether that be public outrage, legal reform, or social change. People use this term when the stakes are high. If a journalist uncovers that a local charity is misusing funds, they don't just write an article; they craft a blistering exposé. The power of an exposé lies in its ability to bring things from the shadows into the bright light of public scrutiny, often leading to significant consequences for those involved in the wrongdoing.

Journalistic Context: In the world of media, an exposé is the gold standard of investigative reporting. It requires months of research, interviewing whistleblowers, and verifying documents to ensure the truth is undeniable.

The newspaper published a shocking exposé regarding the hidden offshore accounts of several high-ranking politicians.

The term is also frequently applied to documentary filmmaking. Documentaries like 'Blackfish' or 'The Social Dilemma' serve as visual exposés, showing the public the inner workings of industries that are often misunderstood or intentionally opaque. In these cases, the exposé uses visual evidence and emotional narratives to drive home the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, the word carries a sense of finality and authority. Calling a report an exposé suggests that the evidence is overwhelming and the 'secret' is now fully out in the open. It is a word that commands respect for the effort involved in the discovery and demands attention for the severity of the findings.

Social Impact: Exposés often serve as catalysts for historical change. For instance, the exposé on the meatpacking industry in the early 20th century led to the creation of the FDA in the United States.

After the exposé aired on national television, the CEO was forced to resign immediately under heavy public pressure.

Finally, it is worth noting the emotional weight of the word. An exposé often deals with betrayal—whether it's a government betraying its citizens, a company betraying its customers, or a leader betraying their followers. Because of this, the word is rarely used for trivial matters. You wouldn't call a gossip column about a celebrity's new haircut an exposé. However, if that column revealed that the celebrity was involved in a massive tax evasion scheme, then the word exposé would be perfectly appropriate. It implies depth, seriousness, and a commitment to the truth, no matter how uncomfortable that truth might be for those in power.

Ethical Responsibility: Writers of an exposé must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, as a single error can lead to lawsuits or the loss of credibility for the entire publication.

The magazine's exposé on the fashion industry's labor practices sparked a global conversation about ethical sourcing.

Using the word exposé correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a countable noun. You will almost always see it preceded by an article like 'an', 'the', or a possessive adjective like 'her' or 'their'. Because it describes a specific piece of work, it is often the object of verbs like 'publish', 'write', 'release', 'air', or 'read'. For example, you might say, 'The team spent two years preparing their exposé.' This sentence highlights the duration and effort behind the creation of the report. It is important not to confuse this with the verb 'to expose', which describes the action of revealing. While the verb is common, the noun 'exposé' is reserved for the formal presentation of that revelation.

Adjective Pairings: Common adjectives used with exposé include 'shocking', 'hard-hitting', 'blistering', 'thorough', and 'damning'. These words emphasize the impact the report has on the public.

Her exposé on the city's water contamination won several prestigious awards for investigative journalism.

In a sentence, an exposé is typically defined by what it is *about*. You will often see the construction 'an exposé on [topic]' or 'an exposé of [topic]'. For instance, 'an exposé on corporate greed' or 'an exposé of the secret police'. Both 'on' and 'of' are acceptable, though 'on' is more common when referring to a broad subject, and 'of' is often used when referring to a specific group or entity. When constructing sentences, think about the result of the exposé. Does it lead to an investigation? Does it cause a scandal? Does it clear someone's name? Linking the exposé to its consequence makes your writing more dynamic and informative.

Verb Collocations: Verbs that frequently follow 'exposé' include 'revealed', 'detailed', 'uncovered', and 'documented'. These verbs describe what the report actually did for the audience.

The exposé detailed how the company had been dumping toxic waste into the local river for decades.

You can also use 'exposé' in more metaphorical contexts, though it usually retains its sense of a formal revelation. For example, a book might be described as an 'exposé of the human heart', suggesting it reveals deep, perhaps uncomfortable, truths about human nature. However, in most professional and academic writing, it is best to stick to the literal meaning related to journalism and reporting. This ensures clarity and prevents the word from losing its specific, powerful impact. When using it in the plural form, 'exposés', remember that it refers to multiple distinct reports or investigations.

Structural Placement: An exposé can be the subject of a sentence: 'The exposé changed the law.' Or it can be the object: 'The public demanded a full exposé.'

The documentary filmmaker is currently working on an exposé that will challenge everything we know about the tech industry.

In the modern world, you are most likely to encounter the word exposé in the context of news headlines and media promotions. News organizations like the BBC, The New York Times, or Al Jazeera often use the word to advertise their most significant investigative pieces. If a news anchor says, 'Tonight, we bring you an exclusive exposé,' they are signaling to the audience that the content is of high importance and likely contains information that was previously unknown or actively suppressed. It is a word designed to grab attention and build anticipation. In the digital age, YouTube channels dedicated to video essays or investigative journalism also use 'exposé' in their titles to attract viewers who are interested in 'the truth behind' a certain brand or public figure.

News Media: Television news programs often use the term during 'sweeps' weeks or special segments to highlight their most impactful reporting.

Did you see the exposé on the evening news about the corruption in the local police department?

Beyond the news, the term is common in political discourse. Politicians and activists may call for an exposé of their opponents' actions, or they might describe a leaked document as a 'natural exposé' of a failed policy. In these settings, the word is used as a tool for accountability. It suggests that the public has a right to know what is happening behind closed doors. You might also hear it in academic settings, particularly in departments like Sociology, Media Studies, or Political Science, where students analyze the impact of famous exposés on historical events and public opinion. Here, the word is treated with a level of scholarly respect for the methodology used to uncover the facts.

Legal and Political Circles: Lawyers and political analysts use the term when discussing the release of evidence that could change the course of a trial or an election.

The senator demanded a full exposé of the lobbying efforts that influenced the new environmental bill.

In casual conversation, the word is used less frequently but often appears when people are discussing a documentary they just watched or a long-form article they read. You might hear someone say, 'I just finished a book that's a total exposé on the fast-food industry.' In this context, it conveys that the person learned something shocking or eye-opening. While 'story' or 'article' could be used, 'exposé' adds a layer of intensity and importance. It shows that the speaker views the information as more than just entertainment; they see it as a necessary revelation of truth. In a world saturated with information, the word 'exposé' helps to distinguish high-quality investigative work from standard news and opinion pieces.

Casual Discussion: Friends might use the word when recommending a piece of media that they found particularly revelatory or life-changing.

That Netflix documentary was an incredible exposé on how social media algorithms actually work.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the noun 'exposé' with the verb 'expose'. While they are related, they function differently in a sentence. 'Expose' is an action: 'The sun will expose the film.' 'Exposé' is the result or the report: 'The exposé was published on Sunday.' Another common error is in pronunciation. Because the word is borrowed from French, the 'e' at the end is not silent; it is pronounced as 'ay' (ex-po-ZAY). Many people mistakenly pronounce it like 'expose' (ex-POZE), which can lead to confusion in spoken English. Using the correct pronunciation immediately signals a higher level of English proficiency and familiarity with journalistic terminology.

Spelling Confusion: Many writers forget the accent on the 'é'. While it is often omitted in English, using it (exposé) helps distinguish the noun from the verb and shows attention to detail.

Correct: He wrote a brilliant exposé. Incorrect: He wrote a brilliant expose (verb used as noun).

Another mistake is using 'exposé' for any kind of news story. An exposé is specifically about *uncovering* something that was hidden. If you use it to describe a simple report on a local festival or a sports game, it sounds out of place and overly dramatic. An exposé requires a 'villain' or a 'secret' to be revealed. Similarly, don't confuse an exposé with an 'exposure'. While 'exposure' refers to the state of being revealed or the amount of attention something gets (e.g., 'The brand got a lot of exposure on social media'), an 'exposé' is the specific document or film that provides the revelation. You can have exposure *from* an exposé, but the terms are not interchangeable.

Exposé vs. Exposure: An exposé is a report. Exposure is a state of being seen. Example: 'The exposé led to massive public exposure for the corrupt CEO.'

Incorrect: The athlete's exposé in the magazine made him very famous. (Should be 'exposure').

Finally, be careful with the register of the word. Since an exposé is a serious journalistic endeavor, using it in a very informal or slang-heavy context can sound strange. You wouldn't say, 'Check out this exposé on why my roommate never does the dishes,' unless you were being intentionally humorous or hyperbolic. The word carries a weight of ethical and social significance, so it is best reserved for topics that truly deserve that level of scrutiny. Misusing it for trivial matters can make the speaker seem like they don't understand the gravity of real investigative work. Always consider the scale of the revelation before choosing this specific word.

Register Misalignment: Using 'exposé' for trivial complaints trivializes the word. Reserve it for systemic issues, crimes, and major scandals.

The exposé on the pharmaceutical industry revealed how prices were artificially inflated for years.

When you want to describe the act of revealing hidden information, but 'exposé' doesn't quite fit the tone or the medium, several alternatives are available. Each has a slightly different nuance. 'Revelation' is a broad term that can apply to anything from a personal secret to a religious experience. It focuses on the moment of discovery rather than the report itself. 'Disclosure' is often used in legal or business contexts, referring to the formal release of information that was previously confidential. It is less dramatic than an exposé and often implies a required or voluntary release rather than one forced by an investigative journalist.

Exposé vs. Revelation: An exposé is a structured report. A revelation is the act of making something known. An exposé *contains* revelations.

The exposé was full of shocking revelations about the company's true financial status.

In journalism, you might hear the term 'scoop'. A scoop is a piece of news published by a newspaper or broadcaster before its rivals. While an exposé can be a scoop, not all scoops are exposés. A scoop could simply be the first report of a celebrity's engagement. An exposé, however, always involves an element of unmasking or revealing wrongdoing. Another related term is 'unmasking', which is often used when the identity of a secret person is revealed. For example, 'the unmasking of the anonymous whistleblower.' This focuses specifically on identity rather than a complex situation or system.

Exposé vs. Scoop: A scoop is about being first. An exposé is about being deep and revelatory. They often overlap in high-stakes journalism.

The journalist got a major scoop when she obtained the documents for her upcoming exposé.

For more casual or aggressive contexts, you might use 'hit piece' or 'smear campaign'. However, these are biased terms. A 'hit piece' is an article intended to damage someone's reputation, often with unfair or incomplete information. An exposé, by contrast, is expected to be a factual, evidence-based investigation. If someone calls an exposé a 'hit piece', they are usually the person being revealed and are trying to discredit the report. Finally, 'investigation' is the most neutral term. You can say, 'The police are conducting an investigation,' or 'The reporter is conducting an investigation.' An exposé is the final, public-facing product of that investigation.

Exposé vs. Investigation: Investigation is the process. Exposé is the published result of that process intended for public consumption.

The multi-year investigation finally culminated in a comprehensive exposé published in the Sunday edition.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The accent on the 'é' in exposé is one of the few accents still commonly used in English to help distinguish a noun from its related verb, similar to 'résumé' and 'resume'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ekˈspəʊzeɪ/

US /ˌekspəˈzeɪ/

Second or third syllable (ex-PO-zé or ex-po-ZÉ).

Rhymes With

essay passé cliché café buffet bouquet crochet risqué

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the verb 'expose' (ex-POZE).
Making the final 'e' silent.
Stressing the first syllable (EX-po-zay).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 6/5

Requires understanding of journalistic context and loanwords.

Writing 7/5

Spelling and grammatical use as a noun can be tricky for learners.

Speaking 8/5

Pronunciation is difficult due to the French origin and final 'é'.

Listening 6/5

Usually clear in news reports but can be confused with 'expose' (verb).

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

expose (verb) report secret reveal truth

Learn Next

malfeasance whistleblower accountability investigative scrutiny

Advanced

muckraking defamation libel transparency clandestine

Grammar to Know

Noun vs. Verb Distinction

Verb: 'They will expose the truth.' Noun: 'The exposé was a success.'

Use of 'An' before Vowel Sounds

Always use 'an' before 'exposé' because it starts with a vowel sound.

Prepositional Choice (On/Of)

'An exposé on [topic]' vs. 'An exposé of [person/group]'.

French Loanword Pluralization

Add 's' to the end (exposés) just like most English nouns.

Adjective Placement

Adjectives like 'shocking' come before the noun: 'A shocking exposé'.

Examples by Level

The news had a big exposé about the stolen money.

The news had a big story about the stolen money.

Exposé is a noun here.

I read an exposé about why the park was closed.

I read a secret story about why the park was closed.

Use 'an' before exposé.

The teacher showed us an exposé on TV.

The teacher showed us a special report on TV.

Exposé functions as the object of the verb 'showed'.

That exposé was very surprising for everyone.

That secret story was very surprising for everyone.

Exposé is the subject of the sentence.

She wants to write an exposé for the school paper.

She wants to write a secret-telling story for the school paper.

The infinitive 'to write' takes 'exposé' as its object.

Did you hear the exposé about the toy store?

Did you hear the secret story about the toy store?

This is a question using the noun exposé.

The exposé told the truth about the bad man.

The story told the truth about the bad man.

The verb 'told' describes the action of the exposé.

My dad read a long exposé in the newspaper.

My dad read a long secret story in the newspaper.

Adjective 'long' modifies the noun 'exposé'.

The magazine published an exposé on the famous singer.

The magazine printed a secret story about the famous singer.

Use 'on' to show the subject of the exposé.

This exposé shows how the factory pollutes the river.

This report shows how the factory makes the river dirty.

Exposé is the subject of the verb 'shows'.

I saw a shocking exposé about the local government.

I saw a surprising report about the city leaders.

'Shocking' is a common adjective for exposé.

The journalist is famous for her many exposés.

The reporter is well-known for her many secret stories.

Exposés is the plural form.

An exposé can help change bad laws.

A secret-telling report can help change bad rules.

Exposé is used with the modal verb 'can'.

They are filming an exposé about the food industry.

They are making a movie that reveals secrets about food.

Present continuous tense with 'exposé' as the object.

The exposé revealed that the company was lying.

The report showed that the company was not telling the truth.

The verb 'revealed' is often used after 'exposé'.

Everyone is talking about the new exposé in the news.

Everyone is discussing the new secret report in the news.

Prepositional phrase 'about the new exposé'.

The newspaper's exposé led to the CEO's resignation.

The investigative report caused the company leader to quit.

Possessive 'newspaper's' modifies 'exposé'.

She spent months researching for her exposé on animal cruelty.

She worked for a long time on her report about bad treatment of animals.

Gerund 'researching' followed by 'for her exposé'.

The documentary was a powerful exposé of the housing crisis.

The film was a strong revelation of the problems with houses.

Use 'of' to connect the exposé to the crisis.

An effective exposé requires clear evidence and facts.

A good secret-revealing report needs proof and truth.

Adjective 'effective' modifies 'exposé'.

Public outrage followed the publication of the exposé.

People were very angry after the report was printed.

'The publication of the exposé' is a noun phrase.

He was afraid that the exposé would ruin his reputation.

He was scared the report would make people think badly of him.

Noun clause 'that the exposé would ruin...'.

The exposé uncovered a web of lies within the organization.

The report found many connected lies in the group.

The verb 'uncovered' is highly appropriate here.

Many people were shocked by the details in the exposé.

Lots of people were surprised by the information in the report.

Passive voice 'were shocked by'.

The investigative team published a blistering exposé on political corruption.

The reporters released a very strong report about dishonest politicians.

'Blistering' is a strong adjective often paired with exposé.

The exposé provided undeniable proof of the company's illegal activities.

The report gave evidence that no one could argue with about the crimes.

'Undeniable proof' is a common collocation.

Following the exposé, the government launched an official inquiry.

After the report, the leaders started a formal investigation.

'Following the exposé' establishes a cause-and-effect relationship.

Her exposé unmasked the anonymous donor behind the controversial campaign.

Her report revealed who was secretly giving money to the campaign.

'Unmasked' is a powerful verb to use with exposé.

The film acts as a sobering exposé of the realities of modern slavery.

The movie is a serious report that shows the truth about slavery today.

'Sobering' suggests the exposé is serious and sad.

Critics praised the exposé for its thoroughness and ethical approach.

Reviewers liked the report because it was very detailed and followed the rules.

Praise 'for its thoroughness' highlights the quality of the exposé.

The whistleblower provided the key documents for the upcoming exposé.

The person who saw the bad things gave the important papers for the report.

'Whistleblower' is a related term often found near 'exposé'.

An exposé of this magnitude could topple the current administration.

A report this big could make the current government lose power.

'Of this magnitude' emphasizes the scale of the exposé.

The magazine's latest exposé meticulously documents the systemic failure of the healthcare system.

The report very carefully shows how the whole health system is broken.

'Meticulously documents' adds a layer of professional precision.

The journalist faced numerous legal threats after releasing the controversial exposé.

The reporter had many problems with lawyers after the secret report came out.

'Controversial' reflects the backlash often caused by an exposé.

This exposé serves as a scathing critique of the tech industry's data privacy policies.

This report is a very strong and angry criticism of how tech companies use data.

'Scathing critique' describes the tone of the exposé.

The exposé’s impact was amplified by social media, reaching millions within hours.

The report's effect was made bigger by the internet, and many people saw it fast.

'Amplified' describes how the reach of the exposé grew.

Despite the risks, the editor decided to greenlight the exposé for the Sunday edition.

Even though it was dangerous, the boss said they could print the report.

'Greenlight' is a professional verb meaning to give permission.

The exposé highlights the stark contrast between public statements and private actions.

The report shows the big difference between what they say and what they do.

'Stark contrast' is a sophisticated way to describe a difference.

Few expected such a comprehensive exposé from a relatively small publication.

Not many people thought a small newspaper could do such a big, detailed report.

'Comprehensive' means the exposé covered everything.

The exposé’s revelations triggered a series of high-profile arrests.

The report's secrets made the police catch many famous people.

'Triggered' shows the direct result of the exposé.

The Pulitzer-winning exposé dismantled the carefully constructed narrative of the pharmaceutical giant.

The very good report destroyed the fake story told by the big drug company.

'Dismantled the narrative' is a highly advanced metaphorical use.

The documentary is less a simple report and more a profound exposé of the human condition.

The film is not just news, it is a deep look into the truth about being human.

Comparing 'report' and 'exposé' to show depth.

The exposé’s efficacy relied on the bravery of several high-level whistleblowers.

The report worked because some important people were brave enough to tell secrets.

'Efficacy' refers to the effectiveness of the exposé.

The publication of the exposé was preceded by months of clandestine meetings and data encryption.

Before the report came out, there were many secret meetings and hidden codes.

'Clandestine' and 'encryption' add to the investigative context.

The exposé laid bare the intricate mechanisms of international money laundering.

The report showed exactly how people hide money across the world.

'Laid bare' is an idiom meaning to reveal completely.

The exposé was met with a wall of silence from the accused parties.

The people in the report refused to say anything about it.

'Wall of silence' is a common metaphorical reaction to an exposé.

The exposé served as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in how we view corporate ethics.

The report caused a big change in how everyone thinks about what is right for companies.

'Paradigm shift' is a high-level academic term.

The exposé’s legacy continues to influence investigative journalism standards today.

The report is still important for how journalists work now.

'Legacy' refers to the long-term impact of the exposé.

Synonyms

revelation disclosure uncovering report unveiling leak

Antonyms

concealment cover-up suppression

Common Collocations

shocking exposé

blistering exposé

publish an exposé

hard-hitting exposé

thorough exposé

brief exposé

feature an exposé

read an exposé

detailed exposé

front-page exposé

Common Phrases

an exposé on

— Used to introduce the topic of the investigative report.

He is writing an exposé on the local fishing industry.

an exposé of

— Used to describe what is being revealed by the report.

The film is an exposé of the dark side of social media.

a full exposé

— A complete and detailed revelation of all the facts.

The public is demanding a full exposé of the police department.

launch an exposé

— To begin the process of publishing or airing an investigative report.

The network launched a three-part exposé on the energy crisis.

prepare an exposé

— The act of researching and writing an investigative report.

The journalist spent two years preparing her exposé.

an exposé reveals

— A common way to start a sentence describing the findings of a report.

The exposé reveals that the governor knew about the bridge's safety issues.

stunning exposé

— An investigative report that is very surprising or impressive.

The magazine released a stunning exposé on the hidden life of the billionaire.

a multi-part exposé

— A report that is divided into several articles or episodes.

The newspaper is running a multi-part exposé all this week.

an award-winning exposé

— An investigative report that has received honors for its quality.

She is best known for her award-winning exposé on child labor.

the latest exposé

— The most recent investigative report on a particular subject.

Have you seen the latest exposé on the fashion industry?

Often Confused With

expose vs expose (verb)

The verb means to reveal; the noun (exposé) is the actual report that does the revealing.

expose vs exposure

Exposure is the state of being revealed or seen; an exposé is a specific document.

expose vs exposition

Exposition is a comprehensive explanation of an idea or theory, or a large public show (like an expo).

Idioms & Expressions

"lift the lid on"

— To reveal something secret or hidden, often something unpleasant.

The exposé lifted the lid on the corruption within the football club.

informal

"blow the whistle"

— To report illegal or dishonest activity to the authorities or the public.

He decided to blow the whistle, which led to a massive exposé in the press.

informal

"bring to light"

— To reveal something that was previously hidden or unknown.

The journalist's exposé brought to light the company's unethical practices.

neutral

"shed light on"

— To provide information that helps people understand a situation better.

The documentary exposé shed light on the causes of the financial crash.

neutral

"lay bare"

— To reveal the truth about something completely, leaving nothing hidden.

The exposé laid bare the inner workings of the criminal organization.

literary

"open a can of worms"

— To start a process that reveals many more problems than expected.

The exposé opened a can of worms regarding the city's zoning laws.

informal

"dig up dirt"

— To look for damaging information about someone to reveal it publicly.

The reporter spent weeks trying to dig up dirt for his exposé on the senator.

informal

"pull back the curtain"

— To reveal what is really happening behind the scenes of an organization or situation.

The exposé pulled back the curtain on the reality of reality TV.

neutral

"spill the beans"

— To reveal a secret, often accidentally or under pressure.

An angry ex-employee spilled the beans, providing the basis for the exposé.

informal

"call someone's bluff"

— To challenge someone to do what they say they will do, often revealing they were lying.

The exposé called the company's bluff regarding their environmental promises.

neutral

Easily Confused

expose vs Report

Both are written accounts of facts.

A report is neutral and covers any topic; an exposé specifically reveals hidden wrongdoing or scandals.

He wrote a weather report. He wrote an exposé on the corrupt mayor.

expose vs Article

An exposé is often presented as an article.

Article is a general term for any piece of writing in a publication. Exposé is a specific *type* of investigative article.

I wrote an article about cats. I wrote an exposé on the cat-food industry's secrets.

expose vs Documentary

Many documentaries are exposés.

Documentary is the medium (film); exposé is the purpose (revealing secrets). A documentary can just be a biography.

The documentary about the desert was beautiful. The documentary exposé on poaching was shocking.

expose vs Scandal

An exposé often reveals a scandal.

The scandal is the bad event itself. The exposé is the report that tells people about the scandal.

The political scandal lasted for years. The exposé finally explained what happened.

expose vs Leak

Leaks often lead to exposés.

A leak is the unauthorized release of information. An exposé is the finished, researched report based on that information.

The data leak was huge. The exposé analyzed the leaked data to show corruption.

Sentence Patterns

I read an exposé about [Topic].

I read an exposé about the dirty river.

The [Source]'s exposé revealed that [Fact].

The newspaper's exposé revealed that the company was lying.

After the exposé was published, [Consequence].

After the exposé was published, the CEO had to resign.

She is famous for her [Adjective] exposé on [Topic].

She is famous for her blistering exposé on the fashion industry.

The exposé meticulously documents the [Noun Phrase].

The exposé meticulously documents the systemic failure of the system.

Despite [Challenge], the team released the exposé.

Despite legal threats, the team released the exposé.

The exposé served as a catalyst for [Significant Change].

The exposé served as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in ethics.

It was less a report and more a profound exposé of [Concept].

It was less a report and more a profound exposé of human nature.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, politics, and investigative reporting. Rare in everyday casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'exposé' as a verb. → I want to expose the truth.
Expose is the verb (action). Exposé is the noun (the report). You cannot 'exposé' something.
Pronouncing it with two syllables. → ex-po-ZAY (three syllables)
Because it is a French loanword, the final 'e' is pronounced. Saying 'ex-POZE' makes it sound like the verb.
Using 'exposure' instead of 'exposé'. → The journalist published a shocking exposé.
Exposure is the state of being seen. An exposé is the specific document that reveals the information.
Using 'exposé' for a simple, positive news story. → The newspaper published a report on the new park.
An exposé must reveal a secret or a scandal. Using it for a positive story about a park sounds strange and dramatic.
Forgetting the article 'an' or 'the'. → I read an exposé yesterday.
Since it is a countable noun, it almost always needs an article. You can't just say 'I read exposé.'

Tips

Use it as a Noun

Always remember that 'exposé' is a noun. You read an exposé or watch an exposé. If you want to describe the action of revealing, use the verb 'expose' instead.

Say the 'AY'

Don't forget the 'ay' sound at the end. Pronouncing it 'ex-po-ZAY' will make you sound much more like a native speaker and clarify that you are talking about a report.

Choose Strong Adjectives

Words like 'shocking', 'blistering', and 'comprehensive' pair perfectly with 'exposé'. Using these adds flavor and intensity to your descriptions of investigative work.

Reserve for Big Secrets

Don't use 'exposé' for small, unimportant things. It's a powerful word, so save it for topics like corruption, crime, or major social issues to keep its impact.

Keep the Accent

If your keyboard allows it, keep the accent on the 'é'. It looks professional and helps distinguish the word from the verb 'expose' at a single glance.

Connect with 'Whistleblower'

An exposé often starts with a whistleblower. Learning these two words together will help you understand and discuss investigative journalism more effectively.

Identify the Goal

When you see the word 'exposé' in a headline, ask yourself: 'What is being revealed, and who was trying to hide it?' This will help you understand the purpose of the story.

Look for Evidence

A true exposé should be full of evidence like documents, interviews, and photos. If a story calls itself an exposé but has no proof, it might just be an opinion piece.

Use 'On' or 'Of'

Both 'an exposé on' and 'an exposé of' are correct. Use 'on' for general topics (e.g., on corruption) and 'of' for specific entities (e.g., of the company).

Practice with Documentaries

Watch a documentary about a scandal and then try to describe it to a friend using the word 'exposé'. This is a great way to move the word into your active vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'exposé' as an 'exposed essay'. It's a long piece of writing (essay) that leaves a secret 'exposed' for everyone to see.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright spotlight shining on a dark, hidden room where people are hiding bags of money. The spotlight is the exposé.

Word Web

Journalism Scandal Corruption Truth Investigation Whistleblower Revelation Accountability

Challenge

Write three sentences about a fictional scandal in a space colony using the word 'exposé' in three different ways (as a subject, as an object, and with an adjective).

Word Origin

Derived from the French word 'exposé', which is the past participle of the verb 'exposer' (to expose). It entered the English language in the early 19th century as a term for a formal statement or a detailed showing of facts.

Original meaning: A formal statement or explanation of a body of facts.

Romance (via French), ultimately from Latin 'exponere' (to put out, set forth).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using the term to describe personal matters, as it can imply a level of malice or 'digging up dirt' that might be considered rude.

Commonly associated with prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize or the Peabody Award.

The 'Pentagon Papers' exposé by the New York Times. The movie 'Spotlight' (2015), which depicts a real-life exposé. Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle', which acted as a fictionalized exposé of the meatpacking industry.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Journalism

investigative exposé
undercover exposé
uncover the truth
public interest

Politics

corruption exposé
scandalous exposé
parliamentary inquiry
abuse of power

Business

corporate exposé
insider trading
unethical practices
consumer protection

Documentary Film

visual exposé
behind the scenes
shocking footage
educational documentary

Social Issues

human rights exposé
environmental exposé
social justice
raising awareness

Conversation Starters

"Have you read that recent exposé on the tech industry's hiring practices?"

"Do you think exposés actually lead to real change in the government?"

"What is the most shocking exposé you have ever seen on television?"

"If you were a journalist, what industry would you want to write an exposé on?"

"Do you think some exposés go too far and invade people's privacy?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when an exposé (or a news report) changed your opinion about a brand or a person.

If you had to write an exposé about a problem in your local community, what would it be about?

Discuss the ethical responsibilities a journalist has when preparing a major exposé.

How has the rise of social media changed the way we consume and trust investigative exposés?

Write a fictional introduction to an exposé about a secret organization that controls the world's chocolate supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In English, it is often spelled without the accent (expose), but using the accent (exposé) is highly recommended. It helps the reader distinguish the noun from the verb 'expose' and reflects the word's French origin. In professional journalism, the accent is almost always used.

Technically, an exposé is defined by revealing hidden truths. While it is almost always used for negative things like corruption or scandals, you could theoretically have an exposé on a secret group of people doing good. However, in 99% of cases, it refers to something negative or shocking.

It has three syllables: ek-spuh-ZAY. The last syllable rhymes with 'day'. In American English, the stress is often on the 'ZAY', while in British English, it is often on the 'SPOH'. Both are correct, but never pronounce it like 'expose' (two syllables).

A biography tells the story of someone's life, usually with their cooperation or based on public facts. An exposé specifically looks for hidden, often negative, information that the person might not want the public to know. A biography can be an exposé if it reveals many scandals.

No, a real exposé is based on deep research, evidence, and facts. It is the opposite of fake news because it aims to reveal the truth, even when powerful people try to hide it. However, people who are caught in an exposé often call it 'fake news' to protect themselves.

Yes! If you have done an investigation and found out something interesting or hidden about a topic, calling your report an exposé is a great way to show that you did deep research. It sounds more impressive than just calling it a 'report'.

Some of the most famous include the 'Pentagon Papers' (about the Vietnam War), the 'Watergate' reports (which led to President Nixon's resignation), and 'The Jungle' (which revealed the horrors of the meatpacking industry in the early 1900s).

Because they require so much research and evidence, a professional exposé can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete. Journalists have to be very careful to make sure every fact is 100% correct to avoid being sued.

It is common in news and media, but you probably won't use it every day when talking to your friends unless you are discussing a movie or a big news story. It is a 'high-level' vocabulary word that is very useful for formal writing and reading.

No, an exposé can be a television segment, a documentary film, a podcast series, or even a book. Any medium that can present a detailed investigation and reveal hidden truths can be used for an exposé.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about a fictional investigative journalist who is preparing an exposé on a corrupt company.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.