behind the facade of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behind the facade of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is hidden or not immediately visible, often implying a contrast between appearance and reality. Example: "Behind the facade of her cheerful demeanor, she was struggling with deep personal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think she was especially good on what goes on behind the facade of good behaviour.

Independent

However, all this went on behind the facade of an "unremarkable" house, Commander Rodhouse said.

The New York Times

Behind the facade of humanitarian concern, familiar interests are at stake.

The Guardian

He saw behind the facade of mid-century prosperity and propriety.

The New York Times - Arts

Behind the facade of getting on with the day job, there's growing despair.

The Guardian

But behind the facade of friendliness, tensions could not be hidden.

The New York Times

After he and Hesketh exchange pleasantries, Numan explains what lay behind the facade of arrogant disdain.

The Guardian - Music

A large office block is proposed behind the facade of the Red House.

The Guardian

But behind the facade of the supplicant who wants to be liked seethes a man out to settle a score.

The Guardian

You could put almost anything behind the facade of the Hotel de Crillon and it would be all right.

The New York Times - Travel

Behind the facade of disparate and dilapidated apartments are areas flooded with light and lined with Post-it notes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behind the facade of" to introduce a contrasting reality or hidden truth that exists despite an outward appearance. This emphasizes the difference between perception and what is actually occurring.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the facade of" when you simply mean something is located at the back of a building. This phrase implies a deeper, often deceptive, hidden layer, not just physical placement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the facade of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing an element of contrast or revelation. It highlights a hidden reality, motive, or situation that exists despite outward appearances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the facade of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to reveal hidden realities that contrast with outward appearances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in news and media. It serves to expose underlying truths, motives, or situations, adding depth and intrigue to descriptions. To ensure clarity, avoid literal interpretations and focus on implying a hidden layer. Consider alternatives such as "under the guise of" or "beneath the surface of" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the guise of

Focuses more on the deceptive aspect of the appearance.

beneath the surface of

Emphasizes what is not immediately apparent or obvious.

concealed by the exterior of

Highlights the act of hiding something by an outer layer.

masked by the appearance of

Suggests an intention to hide something behind a false front.

veiled by the pretense of

Implies a deliberate attempt to disguise the truth with a show.

lurking beneath the veneer of

Adds a sense of something unpleasant or dangerous being hidden.

hidden behind the semblance of

Focuses on a superficial likeness that conceals a different reality.

disguised by the outward show of

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the external presentation.

underneath the cloak of

Suggests that something is being intentionally hidden from view.

in the shadow of

Implies something is obscured and less prominent.

FAQs

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

Use "behind the facade of" to indicate that the outward appearance of something is hiding a different reality. For example, "Behind the facade of their happy marriage, they were deeply unhappy".

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

You can use alternatives like "under the guise of", "beneath the surface of", or "masked by the appearance of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "behind the facade" without "of"?

While "behind the facade" can be grammatically correct in some contexts, the full phrase "behind the facade of" is more common and idiomatic when referring to a hidden reality or deception.

What's the difference between "behind the facade of" and "in front of"?

"Behind the facade of" implies something hidden or concealed, while "in front of" refers to something that is openly visible. They are antonyms in this sense.