in the mask of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the mask of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is concealing their true identity or nature, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "He appeared in the mask of a friendly neighbor, but his intentions were far from genuine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Since her Hollywood break in The Mask of Zorro, she has appeared in more than 20 films.

Independent

IMAGINE a narrow, high-ceilinged cavern illuminated by chandeliers, reminiscent of the cave where Anthony Hopkins mentors a young Antonio Banderas in "The Mask of Zorro".

The New York Times

In The Mask of Zorro (1998), Anthony Hopkins played an aging Don Diego, who emerges from retirement to train Antonio Banderas's character to be his successor as Zorro.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal screenwriters on this movie, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, demonstrated their sly humour with the animated comedy Shrek and their knowledge of the swashbuckling genre in The Mask of Zorro.

The Guardian - Film

When Antonio Banderas unfastens her bodice in "The Mask of Zorro" — the 1998 movie that introduced her to most Americans, including her husband, Michael Douglas — you feel he ought to be wearing oven mitts.

The New York Times

(Under "I" there's a page on which she wrote the word "Ideas," and then a few lines with a sketch for a scene that ended up in "The Mask of Apollo").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In "Life After Life," the mask of humor is less present, in favor of what the author called "the darker story underneath".

The New York Times

The best of the new works in the Silk Road series echoed the Russian master in dropping the mask of modernist detachment.

The New Yorker

In 2017, the mask of feigned approachability became intolerable.

Huffington Post

The actress portrayed a woman of Spanish descent in 1998′s "The Mask of Zorro," opposite real-life Spaniard Antonio Banderas.

Huffington Post

A similar assessment is made by Hervey Cleckley at the end of chapter 5 in his The Mask of Sanity.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the mask of" to add a layer of intrigue or deception to your writing, suggesting a hidden reality beneath a superficial appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "in the mask of" when describing physical masks. This phrase is best suited for metaphorical representations of concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the mask of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a role, appearance, or disguise. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe something concealing its true nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the mask of" serves to signify concealment or disguise, implying that something presents a false or misleading appearance. As evidenced by the Ludwig examples, it is employed across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias and science, although it occurs relatively infrequently. This phrase, deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, is most fitting when you aim to add a sense of intrigue, deception, or hidden reality to your writing. Remember to focus your usage on metaphorical representations, rather than literal descriptions of physical masks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the guise of

Emphasizes a deceptive appearance or pretense.

in the guise of

Similar to "under the guise of", but can also imply a genuine role or appearance.

veiled as

Highlights the act of concealing something under a cover or veil.

disguised as

Focuses on altering the outward appearance to conceal identity or purpose.

masquerading as

Implies active deception by pretending to be something one is not.

posing as

Suggests a deliberate act of presenting oneself in a false role or character.

cloaked in

Evokes the image of being covered or concealed by something.

under the facade of

Stresses the deceptive nature of an outward appearance.

hidden behind

Highlights the act of being concealed by something, often metaphorically.

concealed by

Focuses on the act of something being hidden or kept secret.

FAQs

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

Use "in the mask of" to describe something that is concealing its true nature or intentions. For example, "He approached "in the mask of" a friend, but his intentions were malicious."

What phrases are similar to "in the mask of"?

Similar phrases include "under the guise of", "disguised as", or "masquerading as". Each carries a slightly different nuance of deception or concealment.

Is "in the mask of" a formal or informal expression?

"In the mask of" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both news media and literary contexts.

What's the difference between "in the mask of" and "behind the mask of"?

"In the mask of" suggests the appearance being presented, whereas "behind the mask of" implies a reality that is being actively concealed. For example, "He operated "in the mask of" legitimacy, while behind the mask of that legitimacy he was doing criminal activities."