English Grammar | What is the Appropriate Use of Word "Reveal"
The flash of the torch ________ a snake.
A) Disclosed
B) Revealed
C) Displayed
D) Exposed
The correct answer is "B) Revealed."
Grammatically, the sentence states that the flash of the torch performed the action of revealing a snake. In this context, the verb "revealed" is the most appropriate choice.
The verb "reveal" means to make something previously hidden or unknown become visible or known. Here, the flash of the torch brings to light the presence of a snake, making it visible or known to the observer.
The options "disclosed," "displayed," and "exposed" could be synonyms of "revealed" in certain contexts, but in this specific sentence, "revealed" is the best fit to describe the action of the torchlight making the snake visible.
More Explanation
A) Disclosed: When something is disclosed, it means that it is made known or revealed. In this context, it implies that the flash of the torch made the snake's presence known. However, "revealed" is a more suitable word choice here because it specifically suggests making something visible or known.
B) Revealed: This is the correct answer. When something is revealed, it means that it is made visible, known, or uncovered. In the context of the sentence, the flash of the torch exposes or brings to light the snake, making it visible to the observer.
C) Displayed: Displayed typically refers to presenting or showing something, often in a deliberate or prominent manner. While the flash of the torch may indeed make the snake visible, "revealed" is a more appropriate word choice as it emphasizes the action of making the snake known or visible.
D) Exposed: Exposed implies that something is uncovered or made vulnerable. While the flash of the torch may expose the snake by revealing it, "revealed" is a more accurate choice because it specifically emphasizes the act of making something visible or known.
This is a common grammatical structure in English for expressing one thing (Y) making another thing (Z) known or visible.
"Reveal" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. The direct object in this sentence is "a snake" - it is what is being revealed by the subject.
"Disclose" and "display" can work grammatically, but they sound less natural because "disclose" implies revealing confidential information, which doesn't fit here. And "display" has a connotation of intentionally showing something, rather than just making visible.
"Expose" is also transitive like "reveal", but is often used in the context of making something vulnerable or uncovered. It doesn't capture the meaning of sudden visibility as well as "reveal" does.
"Reveal" is the most precise and natural fit for how a torch flash would suddenly make a hidden snake visible. The other options don't capture the meaning quite as well grammatically.
At the last we can say that "revealed" is the most grammatically precise choice to convey the torch exposing the previously hidden snake by flashing its light on it. Let me know if this provides more clarity on why it is the correct answer grammatically!
