an apparent solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an apparent solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a solution that seems to be effective or valid at first glance, but may not be thoroughly verified. Example: "After reviewing the data, we found an apparent solution to the problem, but further testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The fault lines in this society are the problem that no longer has a name, or an apparent solution.

The New Yorker

Drugs are not the sole source of their problems; in their eyes, drugs are an apparent solution that went wrong.

Vice

But those same groups are uncomfortable steering us toward an apparent solution: water that's been ultra-filtered by private companies, or water sourced from supposedly pristine springs.

Huffington Post

An apparent solution to this issue is to take all dependencies between assets into consideration when building a risk model.

Computers & Security

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was conceptual, rather than purely pragmatic, and often when dealing with a problem that defied apparent solution, his method was to step back and say, "Well, let's look at this in another way".

The New York Times - Arts

In order to combine multiple indicators and maximize area coverage, the easy availability of large databases and geographic information systems provide an apparent viable solution.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

A problem that is truly planetary in scale, such as climate change, obviously demands global solutions – and one apparent solution is to define a global enemy.

The Guardian

But the apparent solution isn't about a majority of artists, it isn't about what's morally right, it's about maintaining an outmoded business model, the sale and distribution of content in physical form and the control of what we can do with the material we buy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He refused to specify what that might entail, but the only apparent solution would be to relocate the company to a site outside Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Arts

There's no apparent solution at hand.

The New York Times

And there lies the problem, since without agreement there is no apparent solution.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an apparent solution" when you want to express that a solution seems viable at first glance, but requires further investigation or may have unforeseen consequences.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "an apparent solution" without thorough verification. Always validate its effectiveness and consider potential drawbacks to prevent future complications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an apparent solution" functions as a noun phrase, where "apparent" modifies the noun "solution". It describes a potential resolution to a problem that, on the surface, seems viable but might not be the actual or complete answer. Ludwig's examples showcase varied contexts, from technical issues to societal challenges.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an apparent solution" describes a potential answer to a problem that seems viable initially but requires further examination. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is relatively rare. It is most commonly used in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral tone suitable for professional and technical discussions. Consider alternatives like "a seeming resolution" or "a provisional answer" to add nuance. Remember to validate "an apparent solution" before fully accepting it to avoid unforeseen complications. It’s a useful phrase, provided caution is exercised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a seeming resolution

Emphasizes the deceptive aspect of the solution, highlighting it might not be a real solution.

a provisional answer

Indicates that the solution is temporary and subject to change.

a superficial fix

Suggests that the solution only addresses the surface of the problem.

an ostensible remedy

Highlights that the remedy is presented as the true solution but can be misleading.

a presumptive answer

Emphasizes that the answer is based on presumption rather than concrete evidence.

a potential workaround

Suggests a temporary method to bypass the problem, not a permanent solution.

a tentative resolution

Indicates the resolution is not final or certain.

a quick fix

Implies the solution is immediate and may not be long-lasting.

an immediate answer

Stresses the immediacy of the answer, regardless of its efficacy.

an easy way out

Denotes a simple but possibly inadequate means of resolving the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "an apparent solution" in a sentence?

You can use "an apparent solution" to describe a resolution that seems correct initially, as in: "The proposed budget cuts offered "an apparent solution" to the deficit, but raised concerns about long-term impacts".

What's the difference between "an apparent solution" and "a real solution"?

"An apparent solution" suggests a solution that appears to work but may not be thoroughly tested or effective in the long run. "A real solution" indicates a proven and effective resolution to a problem.

What can I say instead of "an apparent solution"?

You can use alternatives like "a seeming resolution", "a provisional answer", or "a superficial fix" depending on the context.

Is it okay to trust "an apparent solution" immediately?

It's generally advisable to verify "an apparent solution" before fully trusting it. Ensure it addresses the underlying issues and doesn't create new problems.