about appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about appearances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics related to how things look or the perception of things based on their outward appearance. Example: "In today's society, there is often too much emphasis placed about appearances rather than on inner qualities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was careful about appearances.

The New Yorker

Rather, success is all about appearances.

The New York Times - Travel

She didn't care about appearances and it showed.

The New York Times

"We were always concerned about appearances," one former official said.

The New York Times

"Religion has become more about appearances than substance," she said.

The New York Times

In Citizens United, the Roberts Court gave short shrift to any concern about appearances.

The New York Times

Tells about appearances of the candidates in California, Oregon & Washington, D.C. and what they said.

The New Yorker

Beatress is just one fascinating player in this compelling film about appearances and their manipulation.

The New York Times

"In my view, it is all about appearances," he told me.

The New York Times

Anne added, "He doesn't worry about appearances or what other people think.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet in Congress, the worry is all about appearances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "about appearances", consider whether you want to emphasize the deceptive nature of outward looks or simply highlight the importance placed on them. Choose your wording accordingly to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "about appearances" can imply superficiality, avoid automatically framing it negatively. Sometimes, appearances are important for legitimate reasons, such as professionalism or conveying respect. Provide context to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about appearances" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies a verb or noun, providing information about the focus or emphasis of an action or situation. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it serves to highlight the importance or superficiality of outward presentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about appearances" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize the importance or superficiality of outward presentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of the potential negative connotation and provide context to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "regarding outward presentation" or "concerning surface impressions" depending on the desired nuance. Overall, while it can be used in various registers, its tone is mainly neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding outward presentation

Emphasizes the external aspect and how it's presented.

concerning surface impressions

Highlights the initial impact created by the external.

related to external perceptions

Focuses on how things are understood based on what's visible.

pertaining to outward aspects

Similar to outward presentation, but slightly more formal.

with respect to visual aspects

Directly relates to the visual elements.

in terms of external image

Focuses on the projected image conveyed outwardly.

concerning public perception

Emphasizes how something is viewed by the public.

regarding how things seem

Highlights the perceived reality, not necessarily the actual one.

relating to superficial qualities

Focuses on the shallow, surface-level attributes.

in relation to external features

Links to specific visible elements.

FAQs

How can I use "about appearances" in a sentence?

You can use "about appearances" to discuss how things look or the perception of things based on their outward presentation. For example, "The politician's speech was all "about appearances", with little substance behind it".

What's an alternative to saying "about appearances"?

Alternatives include "regarding outward presentation", "concerning surface impressions", or "pertaining to outward aspects", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to be "about appearances"?

Not necessarily. While focusing on appearances can imply superficiality, in some contexts, it can be important for maintaining a professional image or adhering to social expectations. The key is to consider the context and purpose.

Which is more appropriate: "concerned about appearances" or "concerned with appearances"?

"Concerned "about appearances"" and "concerned with appearances" are both grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they convey a similar meaning.