as a front for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a front for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is used to conceal the true purpose or nature of an action or organization. Example: "The charity organization was criticized for operating as a front for money laundering activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— as a front for an Islamic takeover of America and pressured advertisers to pull their commercials.

The New York Times

It's unsettling to see Grant employ his customary bonhomie as a front for uncertainty and fear.

The New York Times

Ms Panteli was suspected at first of acting as a front for a Greek shipowner.

The Economist

Some gangs, however, have manipulated locals into acting as a front for their trade.

The Guardian

under Arab League auspices, but only as a front for the Arab nations.

The New York Times

And we haven't had to stage shows as a front for a bank robbery.

The Guardian

Indian and American officials say the charity serves as a front for the militant wing.

The New York Times

The company, officials said, was used as a front for Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

"They used Islam as a front for their own ideas of what's right and wrong".

The New Yorker

It accused the league of serving as a front for liberal special interests and sought to undermine the group's credibility.

The New York Times

Prosecutors charge that Mr. Rana used his business as a front for Mr. Headley's activities in Mumbai.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a front for" to clearly indicate that something is concealing the true nature or purpose of an activity or organization. Ensure that the context makes it clear what is being hidden and what the true purpose is.

Common error

Avoid using "as a front for" when simply describing a secondary function. The phrase implies deception, not just multiple uses. If there's no hidden or illicit purpose, choose a more neutral phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a front for" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It specifies the role of something serving to conceal the true nature or purpose of another thing. The Ludwig examples show its use in describing deceptive practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a front for" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that conceals the true nature or purpose of an activity or organization. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "as a cover for" or "under the guise of", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context justifies the implication of deception and to avoid using it merely to describe a secondary function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a cover for

Implies concealment and protection of illicit activities.

under the guise of

Suggests a deceptive appearance or pretense.

masquerading as

Emphasizes the act of pretending to be something different.

cloaked as

Indicates something is hidden or disguised.

acting as a smokescreen for

Highlights the use of something to obscure the truth or distract attention.

feigning to be

Focuses on insincere pretense or imitation.

used as a facade for

Implies a deceptive outward appearance.

ostensibly

Suggests an outward appearance that may conceal a different reality. It's an adverb.

professedly

Emphasizes a claim or assertion that may not be genuine. It's an adverb.

purportedly

Indicates that something is claimed to be true, but the claim is questionable. It's an adverb.

FAQs

What does "as a front for" mean?

The phrase "as a front for" means something is used to conceal the true purpose or nature of an activity or organization. It implies deception.

How can I use "as a front for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe how an organization or activity uses something to hide its real intentions. For example: "The charity operated "as a front for" illegal activities".

What are some alternatives to "as a front for"?

Alternatives include "as a cover for", "under the guise of", or "masquerading as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as a front for" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a front for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing legal, political, or business matters where concealment is suspected. However, ensure the evidence supports the implication of deception.