create a semblance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a semblance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of making something appear to be a certain way, often when it is not genuinely that way. Example: "The artist aimed to create a semblance of reality in her abstract paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mechanical rods and cogs and wheels are arranged to create a semblance of symmetry.

Independent

(Repeated inquiries, she says, may inadvertently create a semblance of a credit record, which is what you are trying to avoid).

The New York Times

Inside, an ad-hoc alliance of lawyers, students, professors, and businesspeople was struggling to create a semblance of order by forming a leadership council.

The New Yorker

They try to create a semblance of order amid the chaos; in the meantime, a giant crane smashes apart the walls of a building nearby.

The New York Times - Arts

Analysts say mass street protests over Kremlin-manipulated parliamentary elections in December has prompted Putin's allies to create a semblance of choice by allowing unthreatening figures like Prokhorov to run for the presidency.

The Guardian

By no means everyone believes that the NDP's effort to create a semblance of democracy will eventually lead to the real thing: a genuine multi-party system with alternation of power.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Throughout each trial, Eriksson said, the exponents of military law strove diligently to apply judicial rules largely borrowed from civilian law, as though they were seeking to re-create a semblance of civilian life.

The New Yorker

The vision vanishes almost as soon as it appears: "The whole elusive sight was a Fata Morgana, an example of the strange make-believe of matter which had created a semblance of life".

The New Yorker

Summer league basketball is notoriously sloppy, and yet Crowder performed far beyond the Las Vegas standard; through effort, skill, and instinct alone, Crowder created a semblance of order out of the considerable chaos.

The New York Times

"What's our future if our people are living like animals in unsafe skyscrapers?" Yet squatters, who live on 28 stories and plan to go higher, have created a semblance of order within the skyscraper they now call their own.

The New York Times

Its officials would broker a deal that would deliver the ousted ruler with a minimum of upheaval to his country of exile, all in the interest of averting an even worse political crisis and of creating a semblance of economic and social stability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a semblance of", ensure the context clearly indicates that the appearance is not entirely genuine or may be misleading. This adds nuance and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "create a semblance of" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "give the impression of" or "produce an appearance of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a semblance of" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun and preposition, indicating the act of generating an appearance or impression. Ludwig AI data and Ludwig AI's analysis confirm its role in describing the artificial construction of a certain image or feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create a semblance of" is a phrase used to describe the act of generating an appearance that may not fully align with reality. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is suitable for various types of writing, being mindful of potential overuse and considering synonyms like "produce an appearance of" or "give the impression of" can enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce an appearance of

Focuses on the resulting visual or superficial aspect.

give the impression of

Highlights the perception created in the observer's mind.

simulate the effect of

Emphasizes the artificial imitation of a specific outcome or feeling.

fabricate a show of

Implies a deliberate construction to present a deceptive image.

engineer an illusion of

Stresses the calculated manipulation involved in creating the false impression.

foster a facade of

Suggests the cultivation of an outward appearance that hides the true nature.

conjure up an image of

Implies a creative act of bringing a mental picture into being.

put on a display of

Focuses on a public presentation meant to convey a particular message.

affect a character of

Highlights the act of pretending to possess certain qualities or traits.

build up a front of

Suggests a gradual construction of a defensive or misleading exterior.

FAQs

How can I use "create a semblance of" in a sentence?

You can use "create a semblance of" to describe actions that produce an outward appearance that might not reflect reality. For instance, "The government tried to "create a semblance of" order after the riot, but the underlying tensions remained".

What's a good alternative to "create a semblance of"?

Alternatives include "give the impression of", "produce an appearance of", or "simulate the effect of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "create a semblance of" formal or informal?

"Create a semblance of" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal writing. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

How does "create a semblance of" differ from "achieve genuine"?

"Create a semblance of" implies that something is made to appear a certain way, possibly without actually being that way. In contrast, achieving something genuinely means that the desired outcome is authentic and real.