is masked

USAGE SUMMARY

"is masked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is hidden, disguised, or concealed. Example: The real motive behind his actions is masked by a façade of kindness.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Holy Face is masked.

Independent

LONDON — She is masked on one.

The New York Times - Arts

When sampled as a whole seam this variability is masked.

International Journal of Coal Geology

The problem is masked by the industry's rapid expansion.

The Economist

The Free Exercise Clause protects against governmental hostility which is masked, as well as overt.

Cornell University

In intact animals, severe depression of myocardium is masked by pressor reflexes designed to maintain homeostasis.

Stanford University

The effect of spacing between functional groups is masked by the rigidity of the spacer.

Polymer

So, a second question is whether the learning is masked by language issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

With further increasing Fe content the glass transition is masked by the crystallization.

Acta Materialia

SVs are classified accordingly if it is masked by at least 70% with a single type.

Nature

The tent, made of white plastic, is masked outside with greenery.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is masked" to indicate that something is not immediately apparent or is being concealed by something else. It's effective in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is masked" when a simpler term like "hidden" or "covered" would suffice. "Is masked" implies a more deliberate or complex form of concealment, not just physical covering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is masked" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is being concealed or disguised. Ludwig provides various examples where it describes how something is hidden, either literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is masked" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. It communicates that something is hidden or obscured, either literally or figuratively, and is common across diverse domains, particularly in science, news, and academia. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely applicable for expressing concealment, although care should be taken to avoid overuse in situations where simpler alternatives would suffice. The Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is concealed

Replaces "masked" with "concealed", emphasizing something being hidden from view.

is hidden

Simple substitution of "masked" with "hidden", indicating a lack of visibility.

is obscured

Similar to "masked", but implies that something is difficult to perceive or understand.

is veiled

Suggests a covering or disguise, often with a sense of subtlety or elegance.

is disguised

Indicates that something's true nature is altered to appear different.

is covered up

More informal, implying a deliberate attempt to hide something, often wrongdoing.

is suppressed

Implies that something is being actively prevented from being expressed or known.

is camouflaged

Suggests blending into the background to avoid detection.

is glossed over

Indicates that something is superficially treated or ignored to downplay its importance.

is swept under the rug

An idiomatic expression meaning something is hidden or ignored to avoid dealing with it.

FAQs

How can I use "is masked" in a sentence?

The phrase "is masked" is used to indicate that something is hidden, disguised, or not easily seen or understood. For example, "The underlying problem "is masked" by the immediate symptoms".

What are some alternatives to saying "is masked"?

Alternatives to "is masked" include "is concealed", "is hidden", or "is obscured". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is masked" formal or informal language?

"Is masked" is generally considered neutral to formal. While not overly technical, it's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "is masked" and "is disguised"?

"Is masked" implies something is covered or hidden from view, while "is disguised" suggests an alteration to appearance to deceive. Something that "is masked" might simply be unseen; something that "is disguised" is deliberately made to look like something else.