a mere appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is superficial or not substantial, often implying that there is more beneath the surface. Example: "The house looked grand from the outside, but it was just a mere appearance; the interior was in disrepair."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Walk into the shreds of flames/ they will not bite into your flesh/ you will understand that you too/ are a mere appearance/ dreamt by another".

Independent

McTaggart argued that there is in fact no such thing as time, and that the appearance of a temporal order to the world is a mere appearance.

SEP

For example, McDowell characterises hallucinatory experience as a "mere appearance" that such and such is the case, which seems to leave open whether a more positive account can potentially be given.

SEP

As he explains it in the Critique of Pure Reason, the rainbow is a mere appearance relative to rain drops which, in a physical sense, are things-in-themselves and not mirages.

SEP

In addition, however, the analysis suggests that the illusion at the heart of cinema is particularly impenetrable akin to an illusion of color, and thus an illusion of a mere appearance that cannot be checked (Thomson-Jones 2013).

SEP

However, we should also accept that an appearance that such-and-such is the case can be either a mere appearance or the fact that such-and-such is the case making itself perceptually manifest to someone, and on McDowell's view, when a fact is made perceptually manifest to one, the obtaining of the fact is not "blankly external to one's subjectivity".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Five scary Gothic tales that are also meditations on art and its place in a world where the mere appearance of a horrible creature can make one woman grow up a child psychologist, another a storyteller; or where a woman is literally transformed into stone in a gritty manner that out-Ovids Ovid.

The New York Times - Books

And while the board president's presence and influence over the other board members creates the appearance of a conflict of interest, the mere appearance of a conflict is not a violation of state law.

The New York Times

In The Perfect Crime (1996b), Baudrillard has declared that reality has been destroyed and henceforth that people live in a world of mere appearance.

SEP

It slowed bankruptcies down a bit, but the mere appearance on the list threatened a run on deposits, an erosion of confidence that was exactly the opposite of the agency's mission.

Forbes

The tattoo is a surface design affecting mere appearance; but it is also permanent, a declaration of unchanging essence.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere appearance" when you want to emphasize that something is not as significant or real as it seems. For example, "The company's profits were only a mere appearance of success; they were heavily reliant on unsustainable practices."

Common error

While appropriate, repeatedly using "a mere appearance" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by substituting it with phrases like "superficial facade" or "empty show" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere appearance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, describing something that is superficial or deceptive. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it suggests something's outward presentation doesn't reflect its true nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere appearance" is a noun phrase employed to denote something that is superficially presented but lacks substantial depth or authenticity. Grammatically correct, the phrase is often used to express skepticism or criticism, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI supports that it is rarely misleading. While "a mere appearance" can be substituted with phrases like "superficial facade" or "empty show", careful consideration of the intended nuance is paramount. To avoid redundancy, vary language and ensure the term aligns with the desired message of superficiality or deception. It's a valid and effective phrase, but mindful usage will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superficial facade

Emphasizes the deceptiveness of an outward show.

a deceptive semblance

Highlights the misleading nature of the outward form.

a hollow pretense

Focuses on the lack of substance behind the presentation.

an empty show

Underscores the lack of genuine content or feeling.

a cosmetic effect

Implies a superficial alteration of appearance.

a surface impression

Highlights the initial and potentially misleading perception.

a flimsy disguise

Suggests a weak or easily seen-through attempt to conceal something.

a thin veneer

Indicates a superficial layer covering something else.

an outward display

Focuses on the visible or public presentation of something.

a false front

Emphasizes the deliberate attempt to create a misleading impression.

FAQs

How can "a mere appearance" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a mere appearance" to describe something that seems impressive or significant, but is actually superficial or insubstantial. For example, "The politician's promises were just "a mere appearance" of concern for the working class."

What are some alternatives to "a mere appearance"?

Alternatives to "a mere appearance" include "superficial facade", "empty show", or "hollow pretense". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a mere appearance" or "a simple appearance"?

"A mere appearance" implies something is deceptive or lacks substance, while "a simple appearance" simply means something is plain or unadorned. The choice depends on the intended meaning. For example, the former refers to deception when the reality is different from what is apparent, while the latter means something being plain and easily accessible.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a mere appearance"?

The phrase "a mere appearance" is appropriate when you want to suggest that something is not as genuine or substantial as it seems. It is commonly used to critique something that is "superficial" or "misleading".