give a semblance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a semblance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action that creates an appearance or illusion of something, often without the substance or reality behind it. Example: "The company tried to give a semblance of stability during the financial crisis, but the underlying issues remained unresolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lebanese society was able for a long time to give a semblance of relative economic stability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was constructed to give a semblance of unity to the multicultural Hapsburg Empire.

The New York Times - Arts

The EU's September agreement was meant to give a semblance of order to the distribution of migrants across the continent.

The Guardian

Pitiful beyond words was his effort to give a semblance of strength to the biceps which rose faintly to the upward movement of the forearm.

Princeton University

The Christian Democrats are one of four bloc parties that were allowed to exist under tight Communist Party control over the last four decades, to give a semblance of pluralism to the Communist dictatorship.

The New York Times

Though they may give a semblance of control, they do not prepare one to face mortality.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This, at least, has given a semblance of balance in tackling the right-to-die issue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Minhocão's closure – on weekday evenings, Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays – has given a semblance of peace and quiet to central São Paulo.

The Guardian

The consumer was given a semblance of choice, with each of the pen's cardinal directions representing a particular color ink.

The New York Times

At the height of the digital era we all carried these phantoms with us: our downloaded selves given a semblance of life.

Vice

It was written by Dean Cavanagh, a former perennial music journalist who wrote for NME and Melody Maker back when people gave a semblance of a shit about either of those things.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give a semblance of" when you want to express that something appears to be a certain way, even if it isn't truly so. It's useful for describing situations where the appearance is more important than the reality.

Common error

Avoid using "give a semblance of" when you actually mean to convey genuine quality or attribute. The phrase implies that something is not entirely real or authentic; therefore, it shouldn't be used in contexts where you want to emphasize genuine characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a semblance of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the idea of creating an appearance or impression of something, often implying that the appearance is superficial or not entirely genuine. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give a semblance of" is a phrase used to indicate the creation of an appearance or impression, often implying a lack of genuine substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as academic sources. Alternatives such as "create an impression of" or "provide an appearance of" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended implication of superficiality or artifice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create an impression of

This alternative focuses on the act of producing an effect on someone's mind.

provide an appearance of

This option highlights the outward presentation or how something seems to be.

offer a facade of

This suggests a deceptive or artificial outward show.

lend an air of

This phrase emphasizes the atmosphere or feeling that something imparts.

put on a show of

This alternative implies a deliberate display intended to deceive or impress.

simulate the effect of

This option highlights the act of imitating or replicating a particular result.

manufacture a sense of

This suggests the artificial creation of a particular feeling or perception.

project an image of

This alternative emphasizes the deliberate communication of a specific impression.

evoke a feeling of

This focuses on the ability to bring about a particular emotion or sentiment.

present a front of

Similar to 'facade', this emphasizes a misleading or deceptive outward appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "give a semblance of" to indicate that something appears to be a certain way, even if the reality is different. For instance, "The new policy aimed to "give a semblance of" order to the chaotic situation."

What's the difference between "give a semblance of" and "provide a sense of"?

"Give a semblance of" suggests creating an outward appearance that may not be genuine. In contrast, "provide a sense of" implies offering a genuine feeling or impression, like "The music "provided a sense of" calm".

What can I say instead of "give a semblance of"?

You can use alternatives such as "create an impression of", "provide an appearance of", or "offer a facade of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "give a semblance of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. The phrase "give a semblance of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts, as it is widely understood and accepted. However, be mindful of the potential implication that something is not entirely genuine.