beneath the facade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beneath the facade" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a person or thing's hidden nature, feelings, or intentions that may not be immediately obvious to others. For example: Although he always put on a brave face, there was a sadness beneath the facade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Beneath the facade of civilization, life is a barnyard.

The New York Times

The rampant recidivism seething beneath the facade of decency.

The Guardian

But beneath the facade of order and stability the clerical state continues to face a deep crisis of legitimacy.

The New York Times

But beneath the facade of a tourist town is a tight-knit community that never forgot Jaycee Lee Dugard.

The Guardian

Yet beneath the facade of implacable command was a moody, capricious man with a strained marriage: while he was in India, his wife Edwina had allegedly conducted an affair with the Indian politician Nehru.

The Guardian

Rumbling beneath the facade, like a growling engine under a shiny hood, is a driver who is developing a steely edge and who is capable of holding a grudge.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Hickox probes beneath the facades of stereotype and parody to reveal figures of genuine flesh and blood, riddled with moral and emotional ambiguities.

The Guardian

The brick hidden behind plaster walls was exposed, as was the brick beneath the stucco on the facade.

The New York Times

At these moments his staccato glances and constantly shifting eye contact reveal the sensitive, damaged soul beneath the ferocious facade.

The Guardian - Film

But just beneath the defiant facade is a man racked by frailty, fear and a fractured life.

The New York Times

The smile, the jokes and the charitable spirit were all there, but beneath the joyous facade it was easy to see that Jayson Williams was troubled.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beneath the facade", ensure that the contrast between the outward appearance and the hidden reality is clearly established to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "beneath the facade" when simpler alternatives like "underneath" or "below" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when revealing a significant or unexpected hidden truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beneath the facade" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a hidden or underlying aspect. It serves to reveal something concealed by an outward appearance, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beneath the facade" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to highlight the contrast between outward appearances and underlying realities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's most effective when emphasizing significant hidden truths. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple contexts. The phrase serves as a powerful tool for unveiling hidden aspects of situations or individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underneath the veneer

This alternative swaps "facade" for "veneer", keeping the core meaning unchanged.

underlying the surface

Focuses on what lies beneath the immediately visible or obvious aspects.

concealed within

Emphasizes the act of hiding something within a particular structure or appearance.

behind the front

Indicates that the visible or presented image is not genuine or complete.

hidden from view

Highlights the invisibility or obscurity of something that exists.

at the heart of

Indicates the core or fundamental element that may not be immediately apparent.

masked by appearance

Focuses specifically on how the external appearance obscures the underlying reality.

lurking underneath

Suggests something negative or dangerous is hidden beneath a deceptive exterior.

veiled by exterior

Similar to "masked by appearance", but with a slightly more formal tone.

in the depths of

This alternative suggests a deeper, often more complex hidden reality.

FAQs

How can I use "beneath the facade" in a sentence?

You can use "beneath the facade" to reveal hidden aspects of a person, situation, or thing. For example: "Beneath the facade of a successful businessman, he was struggling with personal issues".

What are some alternatives to "beneath the facade"?

Alternatives include "underlying the surface", "hidden from view", or "lurking underneath", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "beneath the surface" or "beneath the facade"?

"Beneath the surface" is more general, referring to anything not immediately obvious. "Beneath the facade" implies a deliberately constructed appearance that hides something else. The choice depends on whether deception or concealment is involved.

What does it mean to see "beneath the facade"?

To see "beneath the facade" means to perceive the reality that someone is trying to hide. It suggests an ability to understand someone's true feelings or intentions, despite their outward presentation.