face of disarray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face of disarray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or appearance that is chaotic or in a state of disorder. Example: "The office was a face of disarray after the unexpected staff changes, with papers strewn everywhere and equipment in disarray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Singapore's United Overseas Bank reported a surprise 2.7% increase in quarterly earnings, in the face of disarray in global financial markets.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He told the Journal du Dimanche: "In the face of the disarray, the doubt, the disappointment, the idea that the left has no chance, I want to dispel the notion that defeat is inevitable".

The Guardian

"In the face of Tory disarray, Labour feels oddly silent," she writes.

BBC

But in the face of this seeming disarray he continues to tweet "[menacingly confident quote from any Batman villain]," in an attempt to prove to his millions of followers that everything in the White House is going [positive, comparative adjective similar to "whiter"] than it did under Obama.

The New Yorker

In any case, his campaign was showing signs of disarray.

The New York Times

Such disarray in the face of a violent insurgency has placed President Bush on the defensive over what his campaign aides say is his signature strength military leadership and fighting terrorism.

The New York Times

After all the face-to-face interaction among political leaders this week, and plans for more to start Friday evening, the signs of disarray are unsettling.

The New York Times

Let's face it, before the Tuna arrived the Cowboys' franchise was in a state of disarray.

The New York Times

Just as Michael Moore, amid Democratic disarray, became the unlikely face of liberal opposition to George W. Bush, the mercurial, weepy, demagogic Beck has spent the last 18 months filling the void left by the institutional collapse of the Republican Party.

The New York Times

Inside, he found a scene of disarray.

The New Yorker

It was in a bit of disarray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "face of disarray" when you want to emphasize the immediate and visible presence of chaos or disorder, especially in situations where stability or order is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "face of disarray" to describe minor inconveniences; it's best suited for situations involving significant disruption or widespread disorder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face of disarray" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It describes the circumstances under which something occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "face of disarray" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a situation characterized by visible chaos or disorder. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting that it is a usable expression when describing scenarios of significant disruption. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a substantial level of disorganization, and consider the context to avoid misinterpreting its scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of disorder

Substitutes "face of disarray" with a more descriptive phrase about the condition.

amidst the chaos

Replaces "face of" with "amidst", focusing on the surrounding environment of chaos.

amidst the pandemonium

Replaces "chaos" with "pandemonium" to amplify the degree of chaos.

in the presence of chaos

Replaces "face of" with "in the presence of", indicating a situation where chaos is present.

in the throes of confusion

Uses "throes" to emphasize the intensity of the disarray and confusion.

experiencing the upheaval

Focuses on the experience of the disruptive change, replacing "disarray" with "upheaval".

dealing with the turmoil

Highlights the act of managing a state of disturbance or commotion.

confronting the disorder

Emphasizes the act of dealing with the disorder, changing the focus slightly.

grappling with the mess

Uses "mess" to represent the disarray, suggesting a difficult situation to handle.

undergoing the confusion

Implies that the confusion is being experienced or endured.

FAQs

How can I use "face of disarray" in a sentence?

You can use "face of disarray" to describe situations where chaos or disorder is immediately apparent. For example: "The project was abandoned in the "face of disarray"."

What can I say instead of "face of disarray"?

Alternatives include "in a state of disorder", "amidst the chaos", or "experiencing the upheaval". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "face of disarray" formal or informal?

The phrase "face of disarray" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register, suitable for news reports or professional communications rather than casual conversation.

What does "face of disarray" imply?

It implies a visible confrontation with chaos or disorder, suggesting a situation where disorganization is prominent and impactful.