The literature review revealed
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this to professionally introduce what you learned from researching existing publications on a topic.
In 15 Seconds
- Summarizes findings from existing research and published books.
- Shows you have thoroughly researched a topic before speaking.
- Commonly used in academic papers and professional reports.
Meaning
This phrase is used to summarize what you discovered after reading and analyzing existing research or books on a specific topic. It is like saying, 'After checking what everyone else wrote, here is the main takeaway.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a university thesis
The literature review revealed a significant gap in urban planning data.
The research showed that there is missing information in urban planning.
Presenting at a business meeting
The literature review revealed that our competitors are moving toward AI.
Our research into industry reports shows competitors are using AI.
Texting a study partner
Ugh, the literature review revealed I have way more reading to do.
The research I did showed I'm not finished yet.
Cultural Background
In academic and professional English, this phrase signals that the speaker is participating in a global conversation of ideas. It is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment tradition of gathering evidence before forming a conclusion. It is a 'gatekeeper' phrase that distinguishes expert discourse from casual opinion.
The 'That' Connection
Always try to follow the phrase with 'that' to introduce a full fact. It makes your sentence structure much stronger.
Don't Claim It's Yours
Never use this for your own new results. Use 'The data showed' for your own work, and 'The literature review revealed' for others' work.
In 15 Seconds
- Summarizes findings from existing research and published books.
- Shows you have thoroughly researched a topic before speaking.
- Commonly used in academic papers and professional reports.
What It Means
Imagine you are a detective. You read every book on a case. This phrase is how you start your report. It tells people what you found in those books. It isn't about your own new experiment. It is about what already exists. You are connecting the dots for your audience. It helps you show the bigger picture. You are summarizing the 'state of the art' in your field.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the start of a paragraph. It acts as a bridge. It connects the reading part to the finding part. Most people follow it with the word that. For example: The literature review revealed that most people prefer dogs. You can also use it to show a problem. The literature review revealed a lack of data. It sounds very smart and organized. Use it when you want to look like an expert. It gives your writing a professional structure. It tells the reader you have done your homework.
When To Use It
Use this in university essays. It is perfect for professional business reports. Use it when you want to sound authoritative. If you are writing a deep-dive blog post, use it. It shows you are not just guessing. You have evidence from other experts. It is great for academic presentations. Use it in a job interview to discuss industry trends. It shows you stay updated with current knowledge. It is a powerful way to start a conclusion.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a casual text. Your best friend will think you are weird. The literature review revealed that you are late sounds like a joke. Avoid it in very short emails. It is too heavy for a quick 'hello.' Also, do not use it if you didn't actually read anything! That is a quick way to lose trust. It is too formal for a first date. Unless you are both librarians, maybe skip it there. Keep it for serious or professional settings.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of science and logic. In Western culture, we value 'standing on the shoulders of giants.' This means we respect the work done before us. By using this phrase, you show respect to other authors. It is a sign of a high-level education. It became popular as academic writing became standardized. It reflects the Western focus on evidence and peer-reviewed data. It is the gold standard for intellectual honesty.
Common Variations
You might hear A survey of the literature showed. Some people say Previous research suggests. If you want to be shorter, try Existing studies indicate. All of these mean roughly the same thing. They all point to the detective work you did. You can also say The body of work suggests. These variations help you avoid repeating the same phrase. They keep your writing fresh and engaging.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level academic and professional expression. It is almost exclusively used in written reports or formal oral presentations.
The 'That' Connection
Always try to follow the phrase with 'that' to introduce a full fact. It makes your sentence structure much stronger.
Don't Claim It's Yours
Never use this for your own new results. Use 'The data showed' for your own work, and 'The literature review revealed' for others' work.
Literature isn't just Novels
In this context, 'literature' means academic papers and reports. Don't worry, you don't have to read Shakespeare to use this!
Examples
6The literature review revealed a significant gap in urban planning data.
The research showed that there is missing information in urban planning.
Used here to justify why the student's new research is necessary.
The literature review revealed that our competitors are moving toward AI.
Our research into industry reports shows competitors are using AI.
Shows the speaker has analyzed market reports and industry news.
Ugh, the literature review revealed I have way more reading to do.
The research I did showed I'm not finished yet.
A slightly more casual, albeit nerdy, way to complain about work.
The literature review revealed that vintage cameras are making a huge comeback.
Reading about it showed that old cameras are popular again.
Used to add authority to a hobbyist's claim.
The literature review revealed that my theory was actually proven wrong in 1994.
I found out that someone already proved me wrong years ago.
Used to express the disappointment of finding out an idea isn't new.
The literature review revealed that I am the only person who likes pineapple on pizza.
My 'research' shows I have weird taste in pizza.
A humorous way to use a very formal phrase for a silly topic.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the academic sentence.
The literature review ___ that most users prefer mobile apps over desktop sites.
In formal writing, 'revealed' is the standard verb used with 'literature review'.
Complete the phrase used to introduce research findings.
The ___ review revealed a clear trend in consumer behavior.
The term 'literature review' refers specifically to the collection of academic or professional writings on a subject.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'The literature review revealed'
Texting friends or family.
I read some stuff that says...
Business reports and meetings.
Market research indicates...
Theses, journals, and formal papers.
The literature review revealed...
Where to use this phrase
University Essay
Defining a research gap.
Business Strategy
Analyzing industry trends.
Science Presentation
Summarizing previous experiments.
Deep-dive Blog
Providing evidence for a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNo, in this context, literature refers to the body of academic or professional work on a specific topic, such as scientific papers or market reports.
Yes, you can use the present tense reveals if the findings are still considered a universal truth today.
It depends on the culture. In a formal proposal, it is great. In a quick update to a close teammate, it might be too stiff.
The literature review revealed sounds more objective and professional. I found focuses on you, while this phrase focuses on the evidence.
Yes, as long as those articles represent the 'literature' you intended to study for your project.
Usually, yes. It serves as an introductory phrase to set the stage for the information that follows.
You can say, The literature review revealed a lack of consensus or a lack of information on the topic.
Yes, it is very effective in a formal presentation or a keynote speech to show you are well-informed.
It is an uncountable noun in this context. You never say 'the literatures review.'
A common mistake is using it to describe your own personal opinions rather than findings from published sources.
Revealed sounds slightly more sophisticated and suggests that the information was 'uncovered' through careful study.
Related Phrases
Previous research suggests
A meta-analysis indicated
Existing data shows
Scholarly consensus holds
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