in several guises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in several guises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears in different forms or variations. Example: "The artist's work can be appreciated in several guises, from traditional paintings to modern installations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Food

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Natural aligotés in several guises.

The New York Times - Food

Historical mystery fiction comes in several guises.

The New York Times

Leon's original garlicky red sauce appeared in several guises.

The New York Times

Opposition to the new rules will come in several guises.

The New Yorker

Commiseration comes in several guises, and over the years I've become intrigued by a certain form.

The New York Times

Moholy maintained the Russian avant-garde in several guises, sometimes past its prime.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Thus, although a similar topic has been addressed in various guises by several previous publications (i.e. Fiete et al., 2008; Mathis et al., 2012, 2013; Towse et al., 2014), there is some novelty to the current work.

eLife

The best of several videos is Jennifer Sullivan's 25-minute "Adult Movie," in which the funny, talented and squeaky-voiced Ms. Sullivan appears in several stereotypical guises, including odalisque, pole dancer and 1930s Hollywood movie heroine.

The New York Times - Arts

Mother Goose provided Leno with one of the most challenging roles of his career, in which he was required to portray the same woman in several different guises.

Wikipedia

Sound-on-film, a system that in various guises had enjoyed several periods of popularity, underwent constant improvements in the 1910s and 1920s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At their several Glastonbury appearances, she has appeared in various guises.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in several guises" when you want to emphasize that something appears in multiple, recognizable forms or variations. For instance, "The theme of identity appears "in several guises" throughout the novel."

Common error

Avoid mistaking "guise" for "guys". "Guise" refers to an outward appearance or form, while "guys" is an informal term for people. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in several guises" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the manner or form in which something appears or exists. As noted by Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe things that take on multiple appearances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Food

10%

Less common in

Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in several guises" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something appearing in multiple forms or variations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, though it's not exceedingly common. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, arts, and business publications, and it is a suitable choice for adding detail to your writing when you wish to emphasize the multifaceted nature of a subject. Remember to avoid the common error of confusing "guise" with "guys", and feel free to explore alternatives like "in various forms" or "in different ways" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in various forms

Focuses on the different shapes or appearances something can take.

in diverse ways

Highlights the variety of methods or manners in which something occurs.

in different manifestations

Emphasizes the different ways an idea or concept can be expressed or realized.

under multiple identities

Specifically refers to assuming different roles or personas.

in numerous iterations

Implies a series of versions or repetitions with some changes.

in several shapes

Highlights changes in the external forms or outlines.

in assorted versions

Indicates a collection of different types or editions.

through different angles

Points to examining something from various perspectives.

in distinctive characters

Specifically refers to distinct roles or personalities.

in changing semblances

Implies that the outer appearance of something is subject to alteration.

FAQs

How can I use "in several guises" in a sentence?

You can use "in several guises" to indicate that something appears in multiple forms or variations. For example, "The same problem reappears "in different forms" throughout the project".

What's a good alternative to "in several guises"?

Alternatives include "in various forms", "in different ways", or "in various manifestations", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in several guise" (singular)?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Guise" should be plural ("guises") when referring to multiple forms or appearances.

What is the difference between "in several guises" and "in various guises"?

Both phrases are similar in meaning, but "in various guises" might suggest a wider range of forms, while "in several guises" simply indicates more than two. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.