in the costume of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the costume of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is dressed as a particular character or figure, often for a performance, event, or celebration. Example: "She arrived at the party in the costume of a medieval princess, complete with a flowing gown and a tiara."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

They preen in the costume of the pious for their propaganda videos, and betray easily their very modern brand of criminality.

The Guardian

Newton liked to position seminude women next to men armored in the costume of a suit.

The New York Times

"Just now I am in the costume of a sober professional.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this portrait Byron poses in the costume of an Albanian bandit.

The Guardian - Arts

The two children, aged four and three, are dressed in the costume of the court but look singularly unhappy.

Independent

I ended up with a Spaniard who was dressed in the costume of a pilgrim from centuries ago.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Depending on the character's rank in society, the costume of the xiaosheng may be either elaborate or simple.

Wikipedia

All were dressed in the costumes of 1830-1831.

The New Yorker

He asked Esquire's Chris Jones to join him in the costumes of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie while being interviewed for a profile piece.

Independent

Finally, the Wolf is introduced: a gray, furry-bottomed disappointment in the costuming of Yan Tax and Marie Lauwers, coming after their imaginative evocations of the other animals.

The New York Times - Arts

The king may have been troubled by the almost shocking brilliance of the yellows as contrasted to the ultramarine in the costumes of the main group of the painting, which includes St. Maurice in the centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction, use "in the costume of" to vividly portray their appearance and create a sense of realism.

Common error

Avoid using "in the costume of" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases like "dressed as" or "wearing" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the costume of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or noun. It specifies the attire someone is wearing, often highlighting a role or persona. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both literal costumes and metaphorical guises.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the costume of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe someone dressed in a specific attire. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and applicable in various writing contexts. While simpler alternatives like "dressed as" exist, "in the costume of" provides a more detailed or theatrical nuance. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, lending itself well to descriptive and narrative writing. It is generally considered to have a neutral register. Remember to choose your wording to be appropriate in light of the social context and the audience of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dressed as

This is a more concise and direct way of saying someone is wearing a particular costume.

wearing the guise of

This alternative emphasizes the deceptive or representative nature of the costume.

clad in the attire of

This option uses more formal language to describe someone wearing specific clothing.

donning the outfit of

This suggests a deliberate act of putting on a costume.

outfitted as

This alternative focuses on the completeness of the costume.

sporting the garb of

This phrase implies wearing a distinctive or traditional form of clothing.

disguised as

This option highlights the element of disguise or concealment provided by the costume.

impersonating

This suggests the intent to mimic or portray someone through the costume.

posing as

This alternative implies a deliberate act of deception or pretense through the costume.

role-playing as

This option emphasizes the act of assuming a role or character through the costume.

FAQs

How can I use "in the costume of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the costume of" to describe someone wearing a specific attire, like "He arrived at the party "in the costume of" a pirate."

What are some alternatives to "in the costume of"?

Alternatives include "dressed as", "wearing the guise of", or "clad in the attire of", depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "in the costume of" or "dressed as"?

"Dressed as" is more direct and frequently used in everyday language, while ""in the costume of"" can add a touch of formality or detail, depending on the specific context.

When is it best to use ""in the costume of"" rather than a simpler alternative?

Use ""in the costume of"" when you want to emphasize the specific details or the theatrical nature of the attire, or when aiming for a slightly more formal tone.