facade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deceptive outward appearance or a superficial aspect of something, often in contexts related to architecture or metaphorically in social situations. Example: "The company's facade of success was shattered when the financial scandal was revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Opinion

Architecture

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its flamboyant facade divides opinion (it looks like an enormous present wrapped in gold Christmas paper) but the view over the city from the rooftop is fabulous.

The Guardian - Travel

Iowans relish their status as the first-in-the-nation caucus, and are proud of what they see as their unique peek behind the facade of presidential campaigns to decipher the real candidate.

The Guardian

This overlooks the fact that the two can rarely be ­separated: a facade could be an integral part of a building's structure, as well as providing its main artistic thrust.

The Guardian - Arts

After almost two decades of planning and six years of building, the transformation of King's Cross station from a shabby crime spot to a gleaming public space has been completed with the opening of a 7,000 sq metre (75,000 sq ft) plaza, revealing the original brick facade for the first time in 150 years.

The Guardian

Everything is about the facade of freedom, even the many competitions, but really the state is not interested in individuals, only in mass control".

The Guardian - Arts

One of the factory fronts seen in the background of the car-in-canal scene is now just that; only the facade remains.

The Guardian

This shouldn't need to be said, but some liberals seem to think Ryan's intelligence is some kind of facade.

The Guardian

Whether or not their policies work or achieve what they claim to be doing – those are the questions, not whether there's a crack in the facade of unanimity".

The Guardian

Calle dello Spezier 4800, Cannaregio, [phone], on Facebook, open every day Many of Venice's museums have innovative cafes and restaurants – the Ca'Pesaro even has a terrace on the Grand Canal – but few visitors discover the popular self-service canteen inside the landmark Palazzo Franchetti, whose striking Venetian gothic pastel yellow facade sits next to Accademia bridge.

The Guardian - Travel

Reduced to a decorative mask, to distract from the great bulk looming behind, the facade is left orphaned, rejected by both building and street as a redundant rind of history.

The Guardian - Arts

A relentless grid of windows has been punched through the old stone wall, as if the facade has been impaled on some kind of architectural iron maiden.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "facade" to describe not only architectural fronts but also deceptive outward appearances in social, political, or business contexts. It adds a layer of sophistication and critical perspective to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "facade" as a generic substitute for "appearance" or "front". Ensure that the context implies a deceptive or superficial element to justify its use. For a simple, non-deceptive appearance, stick with "appearance" or "front".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "facade" is as a noun, referring either to the front of a building or, more abstractly, to a deceptive outward appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts, both literal and figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Arts

21%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "facade" is a versatile noun primarily used to describe the front of a building or a deceptive outward appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news, arts, and encyclopedic sources. When using "facade", ensure that the context implies a superficial or misleading element. Alternatives like "outward appearance" or "pretense" may be more appropriate if deception isn't intended. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "facade" to add depth and critical perspective to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outward appearance

Focuses on the visible aspect without necessarily implying deception.

superficial aspect

Emphasizes the lack of depth or genuineness.

false front

Directly suggests a deliberate attempt to mislead.

deceptive guise

Highlights the misleading nature of the presentation.

mere show

Implies that the appearance is purely for display and lacks substance.

veneer

Suggests a thin, attractive surface covering something less desirable.

pretense

Indicates an attempt to create a false impression.

semblance

Refers to an outward form or appearance, often without the true substance.

mask

Implies something that conceals true feelings or intentions.

guise

Suggests an assumed or false appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "facade" in a sentence?

The word "facade" can be used to describe the front of a building or a deceptive outward appearance. For example, "The building's ornate facade impressed visitors" or "Beneath his friendly facade, he was hiding a dark secret".

What words can I use instead of "facade"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "outward appearance", "pretense", "guise", or "front".

Is it correct to say "the facade of unity"?

Yes, "the facade of unity" is a correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation where there is an outward appearance of agreement or harmony that may not reflect the true underlying state of affairs.

What is the difference between "facade" and "veneer"?

"Facade" generally refers to the front of a building or a deceptive appearance, while "veneer" often implies a thin layer of something attractive that covers something of less value or quality. Both suggest a superficial covering, but "veneer" more directly implies a cover-up of inferiority.