cosmetic statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cosmetic statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or action that is superficial or intended to create a positive impression without making any substantial changes. Example: "The company's announcement was merely a cosmetic statement, failing to address the underlying issues that led to the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The questionnaire has been commonly used to assess cosmetic statements by patients, as reported by Sawai's group and supported by the JBCS [11].

Surgical Case Reports

Cosmetic statements made by the patients were evaluated objectively and subjectively using the method reported by Sawai's group and supported by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society (JBCS) [10].

Surgical Case Reports

The ICMJE recommendations are not cosmetic statements but substantial ones, and the vigorous exhortations made by outstanding authorities [ 51] are not mere intellectual exercises due to ingenious and inopportune methodologists, but rather they are very serious epistemological warnings.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Table 2 Compilation of potential P-statements attributed to a small selection of cosmetic product formulas Product/pictograms and signal word/H statements Corresponding P-statements Hair spray Prevention: DANGER H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Sales have surged by 20% on last year at Yves Saint Laurent and by 15% at Dior. "It's all about statement colours in key cosmetic trends for this spring, rather than what designer shoes or clothes you are wearing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Transform cosmetic surgery group has issued a statement saying the rupture rate relates to seven out of 108 patients it fitted with PIP implants since 2005.

BBC

It was the seventh medical condition the F.D.A. has approved for Botox since its introduction in 2002 as a cosmetic wrinkle remover, Allergan said in a statement.

The New York Times

The statement called the proposed withdrawal "cosmetic and a delusion," saying "Sharon's plan prejudices all final status issues and contravenes international resolutions".

The New York Times

Its joint executive director, Evan Harris, issued a statement calling the changes "merely cosmetic" and arguing that "they water down the code in a number of important areas".

The Guardian

Only a small number of H-statements would be applied to cosmetic products in small packages.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Her resistance to cosmetic surgery could easily be mistaken for a political statement, but the reason she always gives is that she doesn't think facelifts look good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cosmetic statement" to describe actions or declarations intended to improve appearances without addressing fundamental issues. It effectively conveys a lack of genuine change.

Common error

Avoid using "cosmetic statement" when referring to genuine, substantive changes. The term implies superficiality, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cosmetic statement" functions as a noun phrase, where "cosmetic" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "statement". According to Ludwig AI, it typically describes something superficial or intended for appearance only. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in contexts where actions or declarations lack genuine substance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cosmetic statement" is a phrase used to describe actions or declarations that are superficial and intended only for appearance. It's grammatically correct but relatively rare, appearing in news and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies that something is done primarily for show, lacking genuine substance. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the superficial nature of the subject and consider alternatives like "superficial remark" or "token gesture" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Superficial remark

Focuses on the superficial nature of the statement.

Token gesture

Emphasizes the insincere or symbolic nature of the action.

Empty promise

Highlights the lack of substance or intent to follow through.

Hollow declaration

Stresses the lack of genuine feeling or commitment behind the words.

Meaningless assertion

Focuses on the lack of significance or impact of the statement.

Superficial change

Highlights the external, surface-level alterations without deeper impact.

Surface-level alteration

Emphasizes the changes are only on the surface.

Nominal modification

Focuses on the minimal or insignificant nature of the modification.

Perfunctory action

Highlights the action being done out of duty or routine with little care.

Showy display

Focuses on the action being for show, to impress or deceive.

FAQs

What does "cosmetic statement" mean?

A "cosmetic statement" refers to a declaration or action that is superficial, intended to improve appearances without making real or significant changes.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cosmetic statement"?

It is appropriate to use "cosmetic statement" when you want to convey that something is done only for show or to create a false impression of improvement. For example, when changes are "superficial remark" or a "token gesture".

What are some alternatives to "cosmetic statement"?

Alternatives to "cosmetic statement" include "superficial remark", "token gesture", or "empty promise", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "cosmetic statement" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company's new policy was just a "cosmetic statement", failing to address the underlying issues." Or, "The politician's speech was full of "cosmetic statement"s, but lacked any concrete plans."