behind the appearance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the appearance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is more to a situation than what is immediately visible or obvious. Example: "Behind the appearance of calmness, she was actually feeling quite anxious about the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

One of the great British arts is to conceal the reality of change behind the appearance of continuity.

The New York Times

Police had already been trying to find out who was behind the appearance of an estimated five separate drone flights over similar areas of Paris the previous night.

The Guardian

The French foreign minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, said: "The reality is that behind the appearance of consensus … a form of world disorder took hold.

The Guardian

A new study, based on an experiment at SLAC's X-ray laser, pins down a major factor behind the appearance of superconductivity the ability to conduct electricity with 100percentt efficiency in a promising copper-oxide material.

Stanford University

He may have been suspended from school at the time, and had traces of cannabis in his blood, but when you look behind the appearance of a menacing black teenager, those Skittles say, you find the child inside.

The Guardian

Kathy Knuth, a spokeswoman for Kraft in Northfield, Ill., said the company was still investigating the circumstances behind the appearance of the Gevalia spot, which may have run in local markets rather than nationally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The cloud is so dense it completely blocks out any light emanating from the stars behind, giving the appearance of being empty space.

BBC

I think about the journey of the four friends along the yellow brick road - and then my hiding behind the sofa at the appearance of the Wicked Witch, because I know she will get me, my pretty- and those horrid flying monkeys!

Huffington Post

That era between 1968 and 1974, between the appearance of Norman Whitfield behind the production console of Temptations records and the emergence of disco.

The Guardian - Music

But privately, immigration issues and Trump's promised border wall have receded behind more pressing economic concerns, though the appearance of a public brawl with "activist" federal judges remains an important rallying cry for the president's base of supporters.

The Washington Post

The main reason for the appearance of echoes originating behind the radar is the low critical frequency within the front radar field-of-view (FOV).

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "behind the appearance of" to introduce a deeper, often less obvious, truth or motive. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

While useful, avoid using "behind the appearance of" too frequently in your writing. This can make your prose sound repetitive and predictable. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "underlying the facade of" or "masking the true nature of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the appearance of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing an explanation or revelation that contrasts with the initial impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behind the appearance of" serves as a powerful tool to introduce hidden realities and motivations, according to Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, use it to add depth and encourage critical thinking, but avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Remember to consider the various alternative phrases, such as "underlying the facade of", to maintain a nuanced and engaging tone. Ludwig's analysis highlights the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying the facade of

This highlights a hidden reality beneath a superficial exterior.

hiding the underlying factors of

This focuses on concealing the deeper elements influencing a situation.

obscuring the reality behind

This highlights the act of making the true situation unclear.

concealing the reality of

This alternative focuses on hiding the true nature of something.

veiling the essence of

This alternative evokes a sense of something being delicately hidden.

masking the true nature of

This option emphasizes the disguise or concealment involved.

camouflaging the substance of

This emphasizes the deceptive alteration of something's true form.

belieing the superficiality of

This suggests a contradiction between appearance and reality.

disguising the actuality of

This alternative emphasizes the intentional obscuring of facts.

covering up the truth about

This focuses on suppressing or hiding factual information.

FAQs

How can I use "behind the appearance of" in a sentence?

Use "behind the appearance of" to suggest a reality or motive that is not immediately obvious. For example, "Behind the appearance of calm, she was incredibly nervous."

What are some alternatives to "behind the appearance of"?

Alternatives include "underlying the facade of", "concealing the reality of", or "masking the true nature of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "behind the appearance of" or "beneath the surface of"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "behind the appearance of" specifically refers to something being hidden by how things seem, while "beneath the surface of" is a more general term for anything not immediately obvious.

Can "behind the appearance of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "behind the appearance of" is suitable for formal writing, as demonstrated by its usage in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.