ruse

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ruse" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a clever plan to trick or deceive someone. For example, "The scammer devised a clever ruse to make people think he was a legitimate business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not just a ruse to buy more time.

The Guardian

It is a world away from the crassness of what was initially billed as a "romantic ruse".

The Guardian

While stars like Deborah Kerr, Audrey Hepburn and Natalie Wood received the applause and record royalties for their work in musicals such as The King and I, My Fair Lady and West Side Story, it was Nixon's soprano who sang their songs uncredited, often after signing a contract never to disclose the ruse.

The Guardian - Film

But this time it seems the ruse didn't work.

The Guardian

Herc fuck-ups: steady on seven and a half, unless you count falling for Carver's male sex ruse.

The Guardian

"They tried to trick me into a meeting but I immediately saw the ruse," Robert said, recounting an online chat, supposedly with a 22-year-old man, who had offered him money to meet up.

The Guardian

John wished the duke a speedy recovery and joked that his illness might be a ruse.

The Guardian - Music

Jacob Steinberg Match report: Manchester City 1-2 Wigan Rösler dedicates Wigan's repeat win to Watson Michael Cox: Rösler's ruse keeps Wigan on top The FA Cup weekend could scarcely have gone better for Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

As more and more women complied, it became clear that this particular challenge had no affiliation with any official charity whatsoever and was, instead, a ruse cooked up by adult entertainment talent scout Danny Frost to get women to share topless photos of themselves on the Internet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"At first we were laughing when we heard about it," the FIS president, Gian-Franco Kasper, said, after discovering the ruse.

The Guardian - Sport

This ruse was dreamt up by government officials, who themselves were keen to make a quick buck from the tulip trade.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruse", ensure the context clearly indicates the intent to deceive or mislead. The word works best when the deception is somewhat clever or elaborate.

Common error

Avoid using "ruse" when a simpler word like "trick" or "lie" suffices. "Ruse" implies a degree of ingenuity and planning that might not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ruse" is that of a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a deceptive maneuver. Ludwig provides examples from sources like The Economist and The Guardian where "ruse" is used to describe strategies or actions designed to mislead.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ruse" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a clever trick or deception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. It's a neutral term, suitable for formal writing, and implies a degree of planning and ingenuity in the deceptive act. While synonyms like "trick", "ploy", and "artifice" exist, "ruse" carries a specific connotation of strategic deception, best used when the intent to mislead is clear and somewhat elaborate. Misusing it in place of simpler words can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive tactic

Replaces "ruse" with a more descriptive term, emphasizing the strategic aspect of the deception.

cunning maneuver

Highlights the cleverness and skill involved in the deceptive action.

artifice

A more formal synonym for "ruse", suggesting a sophisticated form of deception.

subterfuge

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of the act, implying concealment.

trickery

A straightforward synonym focusing on the act of tricking someone.

deception

A broader term that encompasses "ruse" but can also refer to other forms of deceit.

machination

Suggests a complex and often sinister plot or scheme.

ploy

Similar to "ruse" but often implies a specific, short-term tactic.

scheme

A plan or arrangement, often with a deceitful purpose.

strategic deception

Combines the elements of strategy and deceit, emphasizing the planned nature of the "ruse".

FAQs

How can I use the word "ruse" in a sentence?

You can use "ruse" to describe a clever trick or deception. For example, "The con artist used a clever "ruse" to steal their savings".

What's the difference between "ruse" and "trick"?

"Ruse" implies a planned and often elaborate deception, whereas "trick" can refer to simpler forms of deceit. A "ruse" is a strategic maneuver designed to mislead.

Are there any synonyms for "ruse" that I can use?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "ploy", "artifice", "subterfuge", or "stratagem" as alternatives to "ruse", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the word "ruse" in formal writing?

Yes, "ruse" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing strategic deceptions or maneuvers. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.