as a curtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a curtain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are making a comparison or describing something that functions similarly to a curtain, often in terms of covering or concealing. Example: "The fog rolled in as a curtain, obscuring the view of the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Sixteen years go by as a curtain billows once, twice.

The New Yorker

It was used as a curtain raiser at the Republican Convention.

The New Yorker

Life recently has become as complicated, subtly and otherwise, as a curtain.

The New York Times

It is also known as a "curtain wall," since it is hung from the load-bearing structure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rushing toward the opposite shore, I turned the handlebars and the craft leaned predictably into a sweeping turn as a curtain of water played accompaniment.

The New York Times

As a young man he played professional basketball, earning trivial sums of money by playing in small gyms, usually as a curtain raiser for a dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The sheet-as-a-curtain look is definitely a recurring offender throughout all the Jersey Shore abodes.

Huffington Post

The presidential vote is widely seen as a curtain-raiser for a parliamentary election in October.

The Guardian

A one-hour mountain bike race will act as a curtain- raiser to the main event.

Independent

Slowly shrinking attendances for the weekend have persuaded clubs to try it as a curtain-raiser for the season.

Independent

In fact, the taxi campaign serves as a curtain-raiser for a separate campaign that will also begin on Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a curtain" when you want to convey the idea of something acting as a screen, divider, or concealer. For example, "The fog rolled in "as a curtain", obscuring the city skyline."

Common error

Avoid using "as a curtain" metaphorically when there is no sense of physical covering or obscuring. For example, it would be odd to say, "He used lies "as a curtain" to hide his past" if the lies didn't effectively obscure the truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a curtain" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to create similes. It modifies a noun or verb by comparing it to a curtain, often emphasizing qualities of covering, obscuring, or dividing. Ludwig AI's examples show this in contexts ranging from literal descriptions to metaphorical expressions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a curtain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions primarily to create similes. It effectively conveys a sense of covering, obscuring, or dividing, and is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to creative writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. While versatile, it's most impactful when used in contexts where a visual or metaphorical comparison to a curtain is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like a drape

Uses a synonym for curtain, focusing on the visual aspect of hanging fabric.

resembling a screen

Emphasizes the function of separation and concealment.

in the manner of a veil

Highlights the delicate and sometimes partial concealment.

functioning as a divider

Focuses on the role of creating separate spaces.

serving as a barrier

Highlights the obstructive or protective quality.

like a covering

General term that suggests concealment.

acting as a shield

Stresses the protective function.

in the guise of a blind

Similar to veil but more about concealment.

behaving as a shutter

Implies restricting light or visibility.

appearing like a shade

Suggests a subtle blocking of light or view.

FAQs

How can I use "as a curtain" in a sentence?

The phrase "as a curtain" is used to describe something that acts like a curtain, either literally or figuratively, by obscuring or concealing something. For example, "The heavy fog hung "as a curtain", making it difficult to see the road ahead."

What phrases are similar to "as a curtain"?

Similar phrases include "like a drape", "resembling a screen", or "in the manner of a veil". These phrases evoke a similar sense of covering or concealment.

Is it correct to say "like a curtain" instead of "as a curtain"?

Yes, "like a curtain" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "as a curtain". Both phrases are used to make a comparison, indicating that something is similar to a curtain in its function or appearance. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What does "as a curtain raiser" mean?

The phrase "as a curtain raiser" means something that serves as an introduction or preliminary event to a more important or significant event. It is often used in the context of performances or sporting events. For example, "The short film acted "as a curtain raiser" for the main feature."