a semblance of dignity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a semblance of dignity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that appears to have dignity, even if it may not be genuine or complete. Example: "Despite the chaos around him, he maintained a semblance of dignity as he addressed the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Despite the squalor, there are signs of an effort to maintain a semblance of dignity.

The New York Times

I have learned as much as I can with a semblance of dignity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The general consensus betrays our low expectations: the best that can be expected of the President is an empty speech and a semblance of dignity in response to softball questions.

The New Yorker

Their journey back to a semblance of dignity is due in large part to the Maoist cadre who have lived and worked and fought by their side for decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's how hard workers had to fight to have a semblance of dignity in a country obsessed with the gospel of frontier capitalism.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She was struck by a mere handful that had any semblance of dignity, simplicity, or taste... Description, at some length, of what was observed.

The New Yorker

Why did Baldwin get off the hook while Deen is fighting to hang on to any semblance of dignity?

Huffington Post

Although he eventually apologised to me personally for what he'd said in the past, he held onto his idea that things might've actually been better in this country when black men were forced into labor, never compensated for their work, and denied any semblance of dignity or participation in our democracy.

Vice

Although he eventually apologized to me personally for what he'd said in the past, he held onto his idea that things might've actually been better in this country when black men were forced into labor, never compensated for their work, and denied any semblance of dignity or participation in our democracy.

Vice

I believe, as I assert relentlessly -- but with an army of evidence of all sorts to support my claim -- in The Philosophy of Childing that it will be up to our nation's children and youth to set an example of mature behavior if we're to emerge from these next years with even a semblance of decency and dignity.

HuffPost

To unravel the last semblance of dignity leaves a more lasting bruise, and only two England players escaped the fate on the third and final day of the fifth Test as Australia completed only the third whitewash in the history of the Ashes.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a semblance of dignity" to describe situations where outward appearances suggest respect or honor, but the underlying reality might be compromised or incomplete. It adds a layer of nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a semblance of dignity" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Opt for synonyms that provide a more precise nuance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a semblance of dignity" is as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI states that it is perfectly correct, and the examples confirm its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a semblance of dignity" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where dignity is present, but potentially incomplete or superficial. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the analysis shows it appears primarily in the News & Media domain, indicating a neutral to formal register. When aiming for clarity and impact, consider alternatives like "a facade of respectability" or "an air of self-respect". Remember, using this phrase implies a contrast between outward appearance and underlying reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mere appearance of decency

Highlights that the decency is only superficial and not genuine.

a facade of respectability

Implies a deceptive outward appearance of being respectable.

a veneer of honor

Suggests a thin, superficial layer of honor covering something less honorable.

a show of decorum

Focuses on the outward display of polite and appropriate behavior.

an air of self-respect

Highlights the impression of valuing oneself, even if the reality is different.

a pretense of worthiness

Emphasizes the act of pretending to be deserving or valuable.

a superficial sense of pride

Focuses on the pride being shallow and not deeply felt.

a hint of grace

Suggests a subtle indication of elegance or refinement.

a touch of class

Implies a small amount of sophistication or elegance.

a shadow of nobility

Suggests a faint or diminished quality of being noble.

FAQs

How can I use "a semblance of dignity" in a sentence?

You can use "a semblance of dignity" to describe someone maintaining a dignified appearance despite difficult circumstances. For example, "Despite the accusations, she tried to maintain "a semblance of dignity" during the trial."

What are some alternatives to "a semblance of dignity"?

Alternatives include "an air of respect", "a hint of grace", or "a facade of respectability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a semblance of dignity" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate, but be mindful of overuse. In very formal contexts, consider alternatives that might offer a more precise or sophisticated tone. However, as Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

What does "a semblance of dignity" imply?

It implies that there's an outward appearance of dignity, but it may not be entirely genuine or complete. It suggests a partial or superficial quality of being dignified.