Reveal vs Tell my family I love 'em

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Reveal

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Tell my family I love 'em

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Reveal
 RevealTell my family I love 'em
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl//🇬🇧 //tɛl maɪ ˈfæmɪli aɪ lʌvɛm//🇺🇸 //tɛl maɪ ˈfæmli aɪ ˈlʌv əm//
MeaningTo show something that was hidden.To inform someone that you have strong feelings for them.
ExampleThe magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.When you see grandma, tell my family I love 'em.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsreveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findingstell someone, love someone, family message
Antonymsconceal, hide, suppress-
Common mistakesConfused with 'reveal' vs 'disclose'. 'Reveal' implies showing something hidden, while 'disclose' implies make known., Incorrectly using 'reveal' with an implied object. Must specify what is being revealed., Overusing in casual contexts where simpler words like 'show' may be more appropriate.Using 'tell to' instead of 'tell' when conveying a message., Confusing 'em' with 'them' in formal writing., Neglecting to include a subject when forming the sentence.
Usage notesUse 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.Used casually among friends or family. Not suitable for formal situations. Use 'them' instead of 'em' in writing.

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Reveal
Tell my family I love 'em

Frequently asked questions: Reveal vs Tell my family I love 'em

What's the difference between Reveal and Tell my family I love 'em?

Reveal: To show something that was hidden. Tell my family I love 'em: To inform someone that you have strong feelings for them.

Which is more formal: Reveal and Tell my family I love 'em?

Reveal is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. Tell my family I love 'em: When you see grandma, tell my family I love 'em.

Can I use Reveal and Tell my family I love 'em interchangeably?

Not always. Reveal and Tell my family I love 'em are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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