as a smokescreen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a smokescreen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tactic or action intended to conceal the true purpose or intentions behind something. Example: "The company announced a new product launch as a smokescreen to distract from the ongoing financial issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Critics dismissed the move as a smokescreen.

The New York Times

Mr. Zelaya dismissed the charges filed against the military brass as a smokescreen.

The New York Times

In an interview, he described the army's plans for an internal inquiry as a smokescreen.

The New York Times

Some use the issue as a smokescreen to avoid having to confront gun control.

The New York Times

But the inconsistencies in his past had been used as a "smokescreen" in his case.

The Guardian

Mr. Churchill, he said, was using the Constitution as a smokescreen.

The New York Times

There really isn't much they can throw up as a smokescreen any more".

The Guardian - Film

Security concerns in sectors like telecoms may be legitimate, but can also be used as a smokescreen for protectionist impulses.

The Economist

Industry officials dismissed the report as a smokescreen for what they view as the administration's stingy approach to drilling permits.

The New York Times - Science

Many Salvadoreans see the truce as a smokescreen behind which the gangs can broaden their criminal enterprises.

The Economist

But as Russia demonstrated in Ukraine, it is adept as using diplomacy as a smokescreen for war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a smokescreen" to clearly indicate an action or statement is meant to conceal true intentions or a more problematic situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as a smokescreen" in very casual or informal conversations; simpler terms like "cover" or "distraction" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a smokescreen" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to describe the purpose or intent behind an action. It implies that something is being used to conceal a more problematic situation or true intentions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a smokescreen" is a prevalent prepositional phrase used to suggest that an action or statement is intended to conceal something else, often with deceptive intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's suitable for formal communication, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual settings. Understanding its function can help writers to use it effectively and avoid common errors, while accurately conveying the intended meaning of deception or concealment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a pretext

Focuses more on the justification provided, implying a false reason is given.

as a cover

Emphasizes the act of hiding something, similar to providing protection.

as a guise

Highlights the deceptive appearance or outward show.

as a mask

Suggests something is being hidden behind a false representation.

as a facade

Implies a superficial appearance is maintained to conceal something undesirable.

as a cover-up

Highlights actions taken to conceal a mistake or wrongdoing.

as a deception

Directly points out the act of misleading someone.

as a ruse

Highlights the element of trickery and cunning.

as a distraction

Emphasizes diverting attention from a more critical issue.

as a dodge

Suggests an evasive tactic to avoid a difficult question or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a smokescreen" to indicate that something is being used to hide a more significant issue. For instance, "The company's charity donation was seen "as a smokescreen" to cover up their environmental damage."

What are some alternatives to "as a smokescreen"?

Alternatives to "as a smokescreen" include "as a pretext", "as a cover", or "as a distraction", each carrying slightly different nuances.

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

Yes, "as a smokescreen" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing political or corporate strategies where concealment is suspected.

What's the difference between "as a smokescreen" and "as a cover-up"?

"As a smokescreen" generally refers to concealing intentions or issues, while "as a cover-up" specifically implies actions taken to hide wrongdoing after it has occurred.