masking the reality of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masking the reality of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where the true nature of something is being concealed or obscured. Example: "The company's marketing campaign is masking the reality of its declining sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A policy heralded with much fanfare deflected criticism and scrutiny while actually masking the reality of New York's schools.

Huffington Post

More importantly, both the film and the controversy it has ignited treat torture at secret CIA prisons as though it were a thing of the past, masking the reality of an enduring practice.

Huffington Post

Yet when I put this criticism to Edmonson, suggesting that this might be a case of his faith in the process masking the reality of scarcity, he offers up real life examples that challenge this characterization: When Ohio cut funds for low-income child care programs, the Partnership immediately recognized the need, and one key member -– the United Way –- stepped in with alternative funding.

Huffington Post

As Middle East expert Mark Lynch has noted, "the FSA was always more fiction than reality, with a structure on paper masking the reality of highly localized and fragmented fighting groups on the ground".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But this idyllic setting masked the reality of another Spain.

The Guardian

But the political show in the House masked the reality of a split legislature.

The Guardian

But it did not do much to mask the reality of health care in Morocco, where even Health Minister Houssaine Louardi has conceded that standards of care for the country's 33 million people are far from adequate.

The New York Times

Moreover, as in Romania, an excessive focus on a particular person, usually the head of state, causes the appearance of regime change to mask the reality of continued control over the system as a whole.

The Guardian

It was disheartening to see Colin Powell up there doing his bit to help mask the reality of the G.O.P., a party that since the 1960's has been relentlessly hostile to the interests of black Americans.

The New York Times

It began with a euphemistic description of the rooms where families are held as "homes"; before attempting to mask the reality of what, in effect, is modern-day child internment behind a veneer of colourful, brightly painted pictures.

The Guardian - Opinion

But just as the billboards of Mao's Great Leap Forward, featuring hoards of grinning labourers in rude health, masked the reality of work camps and mass starvation, so the glare of these state-sponsored mega-projects happily obscures the human rights abuses and migrant labour conditions that fuel their construction.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "masking the reality of" when you want to emphasize the act of concealing a deeper or more complex truth behind a superficial appearance. It's particularly effective in contexts where systems, policies, or appearances create a false impression.

Common error

Avoid using "masking the reality of" when a simpler term like "hiding" or "obscuring" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masking the reality of" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. It serves to describe an action that obscures or conceals a deeper truth. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase commonly connects a superficial action or appearance to a hidden, often less desirable, underlying situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "masking the reality of" is grammatically sound and functions as a verbal phrase used to express the concealment of a deeper truth behind a superficial appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable news sources and academic contexts. When using this phrase, consider simpler alternatives if the context is straightforward, and strive to create writing that is both precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hiding the truth of

Directly indicates concealment of factual information, lacking the subtlety of obscuring a broader 'reality'.

concealing the facts of

Focuses on suppressing specific details, rather than a comprehensive 'reality'.

obscuring the truth about

Highlights the act of making the truth less clear, similar to masking, but with a focus on truth.

veiling the facts of

Implies covering facts with a less literal sense.

disguising the true nature of

Suggests altering the appearance to misrepresent the fundamental characteristics.

covering up the reality of

Indicates an attempt to keep the reality secret, suggesting a deliberate act of concealment.

whitewashing the facts of

Emphasizes the act of presenting facts in a way that minimizes their negative aspects.

glossing over the reality of

Focuses on downplaying or ignoring the difficult or unpleasant aspects of a situation.

sugarcoating the reality of

Highlights the act of making something appear more pleasant than it actually is.

downplaying the significance of

Reduces the perceived importance or impact of a particular reality.

FAQs

How can I use "masking the reality of" in a sentence?

You can use "masking the reality of" to describe situations where something conceals a deeper, often unpleasant truth. For example: "The politician's promises were "masking the reality of" the impending budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "masking the reality of"?

Alternatives include "hiding the truth of", "concealing the facts of", or "obscuring the truth about". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "masking the reality of" and "covering up the reality of"?

"Masking the reality of" suggests obscuring or concealing a truth, while "covering up the reality of" implies a more deliberate and active attempt to hide something, often with negative connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "masking the reality of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use ""masking the reality of"" when discussing complex situations where surface appearances are misleading or deceptive, and a deeper understanding is needed to grasp the true nature of things.