in the guise of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the guise of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English that means "under the appearance of".
Example: The teacher was dressed as a clown in the guise of entertaining the students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's élitism in the guise of hipness.

The New Yorker

"Only in panto – in the guise of the Wicked Queen.

Independent

Christine to the rescue, in the guise of nanny.

The New York Times - Arts

He's a perfectionist in the guise of a risk taker.

The New York Times - Arts

Individualism in dress returns in the guise of Pop Art.

The New York Times

"It was art in the guise of exploitation".

The New York Times

Gonzo narrates in the guise of the author.

The Guardian - Film

Saturn is in the guise of a horse.

The New York Times - Arts

Mammon, in this case, comes in the guise of Google.

The Guardian - Tech

Voter suppression in the guise of voter integrity.

The New Yorker

It does this in the guise of nonfiction.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the guise of", ensure the contrast between the apparent and actual nature is clear to the reader. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in the guise of" when a simpler, more direct description would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. If there's no element of deception or hidden intent, a straightforward description is usually more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the guise of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating that something or someone is appearing in a particular form, often to conceal its true nature or purpose. Ludwig AI shows this use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the guise of" is a prepositional phrase used to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and academic writing. It is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing, serving to reveal hidden motives or deceptive appearances. Related phrases include "under the pretense of" and "masquerading as", offering alternative ways to express this nuanced meaning. When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is clear and avoid overuse in simple descriptions to maintain the sophistication and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the pretense of

Focuses on the act of pretending or feigning a particular quality or intention.

under the cloak of

Emphasizes the concealing or hiding aspect, suggesting secrecy.

under the facade of

Highlights the false front or surface used to conceal something else.

masquerading as

Highlights the act of disguise and deception, often implying malicious intent.

disguised as

Directly indicates a change in appearance to conceal true identity or nature.

posing as

Suggests a deliberate attempt to present oneself as someone or something one is not.

appearing as

Focuses on the outward semblance, without necessarily implying deception.

on the face of it

Implies that something seems a certain way initially, but may not be upon closer examination.

ostensibly

Indicates a stated or apparent reason or motive, which may not be the true one.

purportedly

Similar to 'ostensibly', suggesting a claim that may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

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

Use "in the guise of" to indicate that something appears to be one thing but is actually something else, often with a deceptive or misleading intent. For example: "The wolf came "disguised as" a sheep "in the guise of" offering protection to the flock."

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

You can use alternatives such as "under the pretense of", "masquerading as", or "under the cloak of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These alternatives all suggest a hidden or deceptive element.

Is it appropriate to use "in the guise of" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the guise of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a sophisticated phrase that adds depth to your descriptions, indicating a contrast between appearance and reality. You can also choose to use "ostensibly", which would make the text even more formal.

What's the difference between "in the guise of" and ""disguised as""?

"In the guise of" suggests a broader sense of appearance versus reality, while ""disguised as"" typically refers to a more literal change in appearance. "In the guise of" can imply deception or a hidden agenda, whereas ""disguised as"" simply means something is made to look different.