different guises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different guises" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to the idea that something can take on different forms or be disguised under different appearances. For example, you could say, "The chameleon changed color and took on different guises to blend in with its environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Fighting the Mafia can take different guises.

The New York Times

Out-groups come in different guises.

The New Yorker

They just come in different guises nowadays.

Independent

The company has adopted several different guises.

The Guardian

The same problem shows up in many different guises.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I find different varieties work better in different guises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Corruption is everywhere, and it comes in many different guises.

The New Yorker

Ideas like locality, modularity, and recursion appear here, too, although sometimes in different guises.

University of California, Berkeley

Hollins says that inaccuracies are repeated "in different guises" in other newspapers and magazines.

The Guardian

Yes, the hoary old West Lothian Question keeps coming back in different guises.

The Guardian - Opinion

The performers themselves were frequently interchangeable, and many sang on several different records under different guises.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different guises" when you want to emphasize that something can appear in various forms, often with subtle or significant changes in appearance or function.

Common error

Avoid using "different guises" when simpler terms like "different types" or "various forms" suffice. Reserve it for situations where the varying appearances are particularly noteworthy or deceptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different guises" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing how something appears or manifests itself. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase suggests variations in form or appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different guises" is a versatile expression used to describe the varied forms or appearances that something can assume. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for instances where emphasizing the variety and potential deceptiveness of appearances is crucial. Consider alternatives like "various forms" or "diverse appearances" for simpler contexts. Be mindful of overuse, and remember that clarity and precision are paramount in effective communication. Remember that the top authoritative sources that frequently use the query are The Guardian, The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various forms

Emphasizes the variety of shapes or types.

diverse appearances

Highlights the range of outward presentations.

multiple facets

Focuses on the different aspects or angles of something.

varying aspects

Stresses the changing nature of the aspects.

assorted manifestations

Emphasizes the different ways something can be expressed or shown.

varied presentations

Highlights the different ways something is displayed or offered.

distinct iterations

Focuses on different versions or instances.

alternate personas

Implies different roles or identities.

modified versions

Stresses changes made to an original form.

shifting identities

Highlights the changing nature of identities or roles.

FAQs

How can I use "different guises" in a sentence?

You can use "different guises" to describe how something appears in various forms. For example: "The same problem shows up in many "different guises"." or "Corruption is everywhere, and it comes in many "different guises"."

What are some alternatives to "different guises"?

Alternatives include "various forms", "diverse appearances", or "multiple facets", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in different guises"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "appearing in "different guises"" and "manifest itself in "different guises"".

What does "different guises" imply?

It implies that something can present itself in various forms or disguises, often suggesting a change in appearance or character while retaining its fundamental nature.