in disguise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in disguise" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a person who is trying to hide their identity or make it difficult to recognize them. Example sentence: The princess disguised herself as a commoner in order to escape her captors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's Rosewall in disguise".

The New York Times - Magazine

In disguise?

The Guardian

Is joking seduction in disguise?

The New York Times

A blessing in disguise, then?

The Economist

Is Boyega in disguise?

The Guardian - Film

Appearance: Books in disguise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Are Bourdin's days in disguise over?

Independent

"Often difficulties are just opportunities in disguise".

The New Yorker

Would donors have to come in disguise?

Independent

Perhaps this is a blessing in disguise.

Independent

Is he a scientist in disguise?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in disguise" to vividly portray characters or situations where appearances are deliberately misleading. For example, "The spy entered the party in disguise, hoping to gather intel."

Common error

Avoid using "in disguise" when referring to simple camouflage or hiding. The phrase implies a deliberate attempt to alter one's appearance or identity to deceive or remain unrecognized, not just blending into the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in disguise" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by describing the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It indicates that someone or something is not what it appears to be, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in disguise" serves to denote a deliberate concealment of one's true identity or nature, a fact supported by Ludwig. The usage of "in disguise" spans across a multitude of contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and wiki, with the phrase most commonly appearing in the news. With respect to usage, remember to employ "in disguise" to highlight a strategic masking of appearance rather than simple hiding. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to create intrigue in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undercover

Focuses on the state of secretly gathering information or operating undetected.

incognito

Emphasizes the desire to avoid being recognized, often for privacy or safety.

masquerading as

Highlights the act of pretending to be someone or something else, often to deceive.

posing as

Similar to masquerading, but can also imply a more temporary or superficial deception.

concealed

Focuses on the state of being hidden or kept secret.

camouflaged

Suggests blending in with the surroundings to avoid detection.

under a false identity

More explicitly states the use of a fabricated persona.

with a hidden agenda

Emphasizes the secret motives behind one's actions.

cloaked in secrecy

Highlights the mysterious and secretive nature of the concealment.

in a deceptive manner

Focuses on the intention to mislead or deceive.

FAQs

How can I use "in disguise" in a sentence?

Use "in disguise" to describe someone or something that is deliberately trying to hide its true identity or nature. For instance, "The celebrity traveled "incognito" to avoid attracting attention."

What are some alternatives to saying "in disguise"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "undercover", ""incognito"", or "masquerading as" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone is "in a disguise" instead of "in disguise"?

While "in disguise" is the standard and more common phrasing, "in a disguise" can be grammatically correct if you're emphasizing the specific outfit or method of concealment. However, "in disguise" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "in disguise" and "in camouflage"?

"In disguise" implies an intent to conceal identity through altered appearance, often to deceive. "In camouflage" refers specifically to blending in with surroundings to avoid detection.