an appearance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appearance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to convey the idea that something appears to be a certain way, although it may not actually be true. For example, "The testimony of the witnesses gave an appearance of guilt, but the jury found the defendant to be innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Everything was done with an appearance of medical rigor.

The New Yorker

The issue is an appearance of strength and independence.

The New Yorker

This gives an appearance of graininess in big enlargements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He effortlessly combined strategic slickness, blokey clubbability and an appearance of off-the-cuff sincerity.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this case, an appearance of thoughtfulness masks, and colludes with, the avoidance of certain thoughts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet Labour has managed to sustain at least an appearance of unity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another judge, Thomas M. Yeager, found that there was an appearance of impropriety.

The New York Times

In what ways has the country "gone a long way toward an appearance of classlessness"?

The New York Times

And if there's an appearance of a conflict, it would still be there.

The New York Times

The court's prosecutors effectively backed the application by saying that there was "an appearance of bias".

The Guardian

He is about five-five, with an appearance of physical delicacy and an attitude of indomitability.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an appearance of" to indicate how something seems, but without confirming it's actually true. For example, "The data had an appearance of accuracy, but further analysis revealed several errors."

Common error

Avoid using "an appearance of" when you have definitive proof or certainty about a situation. Use more direct language to convey the confirmed reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appearance of" functions as a noun phrase. It often modifies another noun, indicating a superficial or perceived quality. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in expressing how something seems rather than what it definitively is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appearance of" is a versatile phrase used to describe how something seems, often implying that this perception might not reflect the complete truth. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While it's crucial to avoid overusing this phrase when certainty exists, it serves as a valuable tool for conveying uncertainty or surface-level impressions. Ludwig’s examples show its consistent application in expressing perceived qualities rather than definitive statements, supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a semblance of

This alternative suggests a superficial similarity, often implying that the reality is different.

a show of

Focuses on the outward display or demonstration of something.

an impression of

Highlights the subjective perception created by something.

a facade of

Implies a deceptive outward appearance that conceals a different reality.

a pretense of

Suggests an attempt to create a false impression.

an air of

Emphasizes the atmosphere or feeling that something projects.

a guise of

Indicates a deceptive outward form or appearance.

an outward show of

This phrase puts emphasis on the external and visible display.

an exhibition of

This suggests a public display, potentially for dramatic effect.

a simulation of

Implies that something is being imitated or replicated.

FAQs

How can I use "an appearance of" in a sentence?

Use "an appearance of" to suggest that something seems to be a particular way, although it might not be the actual case. For instance, "The project maintained "a semblance of" progress, but in reality, it was stalled."

What are some alternatives to "an appearance of"?

You can use alternatives such as ""a semblance of"", "a show of", or "an impression of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an appearance of" rather than a more direct statement?

Use "an appearance of" when you want to express uncertainty or doubt about the true nature of something. It's suitable when you're describing how something seems without confirming its validity.

Is there a difference between "an appearance of" and "an illusion of"?

"An appearance of" suggests a surface-level perception that might not be accurate, while "an illusion of" implies a deceptive perception that actively misrepresents reality.