semblance of privacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "semblance of privacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an appearance or illusion of privacy, even if true privacy is lacking. Example: "In the crowded café, the booth offered a semblance of privacy, allowing them to discuss their plans without being overheard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

If you value any semblance of privacy in our increasingly digital world, call your House member's office.

The Guardian - Opinion

Your family is investigated, photographed or harassed daily – parents, children, sometimes even siblings also losing any semblance of privacy simply because you share the same blood or name.

The Guardian - Opinion

The task of reclaiming some semblance of privacy is all the more urgent because the rate at which personal data is being collected is accelerating.

The Guardian - Tech

We essayed the usual polite openers, and then--in no time, it seemed--she was telling me about her struggles, some years before, to raise her young children, here in New York, with some semblance of privacy and common sense.

The New Yorker

There are three enormous mirrors on the wall opposite a long banquette running along one side of the room, and the solid dark-wood tables are spaced just far enough apart that you have a decent semblance of privacy.

The New York Times

Faced with such limitations, people have been inventive: painted screens and voluminous robes offered lovers of old a semblance of privacy; lovers of today rely on the cellphone to arrange assignations and on love hotels to keep them.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But finally, there is this verdict: "Some of his newsrooms showed such disregard for any semblance of reasonable privacy and even the law, and this had an effect on other newsrooms on both sides of the Atlantic".

The Guardian

Today marks the opening of a week of action in opposition to the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, which would obliterate any semblance of online privacy in the United States.

Huffington Post

All semblance of pride or hope of privacy has vanished.

Huffington Post

Yes, we are in a brave new world, but it would be nice if we could keep a semblance of the old where the notion of privacy was a fundamental basic right.

HuffPost

Downside: Lack of privacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital rights or data security, use "semblance of privacy" to highlight the gap between perceived and actual protection of personal information.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "semblance of privacy" provides complete security. Recognize it as a partial or superficial level of protection, not a guarantee against intrusion or data breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "semblance of privacy" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a state or condition where privacy is present in a limited or superficial way. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "semblance of privacy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts to describe situations where a partial or superficial appearance of privacy exists, not a complete guarantee. It's crucial to understand the limited nature of this "semblance of privacy", as it doesn't equate to full protection. Alternatives include "appearance of privacy" and "illusion of privacy", each carrying slightly different nuances. Recognize that while you might try to maintain a "semblance of privacy", it's essential to be aware of its limitations in today's digital landscape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearance of privacy

Focuses on how something looks private without necessarily being so.

illusion of privacy

Highlights the deceptive nature of perceived privacy.

degree of privacy

Indicates a certain level of privacy exists, although it may not be complete.

hint of privacy

Suggests a very small amount of privacy.

air of privacy

Implies a created or assumed sense of privacy.

veneer of privacy

Emphasizes a superficial or deceptive layer of privacy.

pretense of privacy

Highlights the insincere or false claim of privacy.

facade of privacy

Stresses an outward appearance that hides a lack of genuine privacy.

semblance of secrecy

Shifts the focus to confidentiality rather than general privacy.

guise of privacy

Indicates privacy is used as a disguise or false appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "semblance of privacy" in a sentence?

You can use "semblance of privacy" to describe situations where there's an appearance or illusion of privacy, even if complete privacy is lacking. For example, "The dividers in the open-plan office offered only a "semblance of privacy"".

What's the difference between "semblance of privacy" and "illusion of privacy"?

"Semblance of privacy" suggests a superficial appearance of being private. "Illusion of privacy" emphasizes the deceptive nature, highlighting that it's not truly private. The "illusion of privacy" can be stronger, implying a complete misperception.

What are some alternatives to "semblance of privacy"?

Alternatives include "appearance of privacy", "degree of privacy", or "hint of privacy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "maintain a semblance of privacy"?

Yes, it's correct. The phrase "maintain a semblance of privacy" is used to describe the effort to preserve some level of perceived or limited privacy, especially in situations where true privacy is difficult to achieve.