masquerading as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masquerading as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is pretending to be something that it is not. For example, "The stranger was masquerading as a wealthy businessman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's closed masquerading as open".

TechCrunch

These are ethical judgments masquerading as science.

The New Yorker

It is cosmopolitanism masquerading as American exceptionalism.

The New York Times

"This is homophobia masquerading as religious piety.

The New York Times

This is feature journalism masquerading as history.

The New Yorker

This was politics masquerading as science.

The New York Times

It's hypoglycaemia masquerading as entertainment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Extreme pickiness masquerading as perfectionism.

The New York Times

Nostalgia is masquerading as futurism.

The New York Times

He denounced "counterrevolutionaries" masquerading as reformers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That reprehensible meat-sack-masquerading-as-a-human-being, Adele?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "masquerading as" to reveal a deceptive appearance, especially when the underlying reality is negative or undesirable. For example, "The company's marketing campaign was just propaganda masquerading as information."

Common error

Avoid using "masquerading as" when a simpler, more neutral term like "appearing as" or "resembling" would suffice. "Masquerading as" often carries a negative connotation, so ensure it fits the intended tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masquerading as" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is falsely presented as something else. This construction often implies deception or a hidden reality, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "masquerading as" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that presents itself as one thing but is, in reality, something else, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While it's useful for revealing deception, avoid overuse in neutral contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Alternatives include "posing as" and "disguised as", each with slightly different nuances. This phrase is a powerful tool for critical analysis, emphasizing the contrast between appearance and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posing as

Emphasizes the act of pretending to be someone or something else, often with an intent to deceive.

disguised as

Suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal true identity or nature through alteration of appearance.

cloaked in

Implies that something is hidden or concealed by something else, often metaphorical.

under the guise of

Formal and emphasizes that something is happening under a false or deceptive pretense.

feigning to be

Highlights the insincerity and pretense of the action, suggesting a false display.

pretending to be

Focuses on the act of imitation or make-believe, implying a lack of authenticity.

masquerading under the name of

Adds specificity by indicating a false name or identity being used to deceive.

passing off as

Suggests an attempt to present something of lower quality as something of higher value.

veiled as

Implies something is hidden or obscured by a covering, often metaphorical.

imitating

Focuses on the act of replicating the appearance of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "masquerading as" in a sentence?

Use "masquerading as" to describe something that appears to be one thing but is actually another, often with a deceptive intent. For example, "The politician's promises were just lies "masquerading as" genuine concern for the public".

What are some alternatives to "masquerading as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "posing as", "disguised as", or "under the guise of".

Is it always negative to say something is "masquerading as" something else?

Yes, "masquerading as" typically carries a negative connotation, implying deception or a hidden, less desirable reality. It's best used when you want to highlight the falseness of an appearance.

What is the difference between ""masquerading as"" and "appearing as"?

"Masquerading as" suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive, while "appearing as" is more neutral and simply describes how something looks without implying deception. You would use the former when someone is intentionally hiding their true nature and the later when the appearance is simply that, an appearance.