facade of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facade of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a superficial or deceptive appearance of authority or control. Example: "The politician maintained a facade of power, masking the chaos that lay beneath his administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He emerged thinking that the N.C.A.A. is an organization that depends on a facade of power to generate profit by exploiting young men.

The New York Times - Sports

If we understand about the illusion of control, then we can totally get his rage: he bought a machine that he thought would give him agency, but really he was trapped in yet other system that provided only the facade of power.

The Guardian - Tech

Putin calls the Ukrainian government "crooks": I sympathise with the people on Maidan even though I don't recognise the change in regime … People are not demanding renovations of the facade of power, they want cardinal changes, because they are used to crooks taking over from other crooks... Putin says: Of course people wanted change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We're trying to make a museum-quality exhibition in a public space," says the project's curator, Cedar Lewisohn, who also organised Tate Modern's 2008 Street Art show, which saw the brick facade of Bankside power station covered with murals.

The Guardian - Arts

But his critics claim that Mr. Bo's populist facade hid abuses of power and corrupt self-enrichment by him and his family.

The New York Times

The difference is that in totalitarian regimes neither the institutions nor the constitutional provisions act as effective checks on the power of the single centre: they are essentially facades for the exercise of power through hierarchical procedures that subject all the officials of the state to the commands of the ruling individual or group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the three branches of government – cabinet, national assembly and high court – provide a facade of institutional governance, real power is exercised through informal networks that shift and change at the president's discretion.

The Guardian

The initial plans for the facade of the dam, the power plant, the outlet tunnels and ornaments clashed with the modern look of an arch dam.

Wikipedia

And official silence surrounding his case underscores high-level fears that any public cracks in the leadership's facade of unity could lead its power to crumble.

The New York Times

SP Setia and Sime Darby have offered to create apartments and shops on the site while preserving the facade of the 79-year-old power station and its four chimney stacks, which have fallen into disrepair.

The New York Times

His personal career had revealed to him, at court and in administration, the play of power that lay behind the imperial facade of rule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "facade of power" to describe situations where someone or something appears to be in control or have authority, but this appearance is deceptive or superficial.

Common error

Avoid using "facade of power" when describing situations where power is actually present and legitimately exercised. This phrase is specific to misleading or deceptive appearances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facade of power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes something that appears to be powerful but is actually not. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facade of power" effectively describes a deceptive appearance of authority or control. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and usable, though relatively rare. It's most commonly found in News & Media, encyclopedias and Wiki sources. Use it to critique situations where outward displays of power mask underlying weaknesses or deceptions. Remember, this phrase highlights the appearance of power, not its genuine exercise. Alternatives include "semblance of authority" or "pretense of control".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semblance of authority

This alternative emphasizes the outward appearance or impression of authority, which may not be genuine.

pretense of control

This suggests a deliberate act of pretending to have control, whether or not it is actually present.

illusion of strength

Focuses on a false appearance of being strong or powerful.

veneer of authority

Highlights a thin, deceptive layer that covers up a lack of real authority.

show of force

Implies a deliberate display intended to intimidate or impress, whether or not the force is real.

outward display of control

Emphasizes the external appearance of control, without confirming its substance.

superficial authority

Indicates that the authority is only on the surface and lacks depth or substance.

empty show of power

Highlights the lack of substance behind the display of power.

false front of dominance

Focuses on a deceptive appearance of being dominant or in charge.

simulated power

This alternative suggests the power is not genuine, instead it's an imitation.

FAQs

How can I use "facade of power" in a sentence?

You can use "facade of power" to describe a situation where someone or something appears to have authority or control, but this appearance is deceptive. For instance, "The dictator maintained a "facade of power" while secretly relying on foreign aid".

What are some alternatives to "facade of power"?

Alternatives to "facade of power" include "semblance of authority", "pretense of control", or "illusion of strength", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "facade of power" in formal writing?

Yes, "facade of power" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe deceptive appearances of authority and is suitable for academic, business, or journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "facade of power" and "exercise of power"?

"Facade of power" describes the appearance of authority, which may be misleading or insubstantial. "Exercise of power", on the other hand, refers to the actual application of authority or control.