apparent

USAGE SUMMARY

'apparent' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is easily noticed or seen, either because it is obvious or because it stands out in some way. For example: "The apparent success of the project was clear to all the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The contrast with Nick Clegg's breakthrough starring role in the 2010 election TV debates couldn't have been more apparent from the start.

The Guardian

The growing gulf between Saudi Arabia and its more sceptical western partners is nowhere more apparent than in the key area of security and defence cooperation, upon which the relationship was founded in 1915.

The Guardian

Fellaini trotted on after 76 minutes and it soon became apparent he might need selective hearing – but then Blackett sent a long ball into the penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

And it's Farage, and his apparent addiction to media attention, that they blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Crider suspected that the US, which sent interrogators to interview Mobley shortly after he was detained, is complicit in his apparent disappearance.

The Guardian

The apparent antipathy towards anything deemed clean, green or renewable was further highlighted by the decision to change the name of the Clean Energy Supplement to the Energy Supplement.

The Guardian

The Ashes are all but safe for England.Australia, for all their apparent buoyancy having come tantalisingly close to winning the first Test, stand as much chance of getting back into this series now as Shane Watson has of entering into a civil partnership with his captain, Michael Clarke.

The Guardian - Sport

"I put in the Inherent Vice screener, and it became apparent that it's a terrible, incoherent movie, so I turned it off.

The Guardian - Film

Even the November nuclear deal in Geneva with the so-called P5+1 can be seen as enhancing Iran's regional status to the detriment of Saudi Arabia, which has threatened to distance itself from the United States over the apparent Washington-Tehran thaw.

The Guardian

I'm on a quest to find the British left, because it's become apparent no one quite knows where it has gone, or what it looks like.

The Guardian

Network Rail is scarred by courtroom verdicts of neglect and breaches of health and safety after it allowed crossings to remain open even though the risks were apparent, and shoulders blame for the deaths of Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, at Elsenham in 2005.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparent" to introduce observations or deductions based on available evidence, particularly when you want to highlight that your conclusions are preliminary or subject to further verification.

Common error

Avoid using "apparent" when you actually mean "transparent". "Apparent" suggests something is easily perceived or understood, while "transparent" indicates something is see-through or easily understood due to its simplicity. The misuse can obscure your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "apparent" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating something is easily perceived or understood, or that something merely seems to be the case. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "apparent" clarifies the nature of a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Sport

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparent" is a versatile adjective used to describe something easily seen or understood, or something that seems to be the case. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news and media, reflecting its utility in conveying observations and initial assessments. While generally correct, ensure clarity by specifying if you mean obviously true or merely seeming. As Ludwig AI indicated, "apparent" is indeed perfectly usable in written English. Remember to use alternatives like "obvious" or "evident" depending on context, and be mindful of the subtle difference between "apparent" and "transparent" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evident

Indicates a clear and obvious quality, similar to "apparent" in denoting something easily perceived.

obvious

Implies that something is easily understood or recognized, much like "apparent" when referring to clarity.

visible

Focuses on the ability to be seen, akin to "apparent" in its literal sense of being noticeable.

clear

Suggests a lack of ambiguity or obscurity, mirroring "apparent" when used to describe understanding.

manifest

Highlights something that is plainly or obviously displayed, similar to "apparent" in indicating an easily perceived quality.

noticeable

Emphasizes that something is easily attracted attention, close to "apparent" in conveying ease of perception.

ostensible

Indicates something presented as true but possibly not, aligning with "apparent" in its sense of seeming.

seeming

Highlights an appearance or impression that may differ from reality, similar to "apparent" in its connotation of appearance.

perceptible

Indicates something capable of being noticed or perceived, aligning with "apparent" in its basic meaning.

unmistakable

Stresses the impossibility of misunderstanding or mistaking something, echoing "apparent" in its sense of clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "apparent" in a sentence?

You can use "apparent" to describe something that is easily seen or understood, such as "The "apparent reason" for his absence was illness", or to indicate something that seems to be the case, such as "His "apparent calmness" hid his inner turmoil".

What are some alternatives to the word "apparent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obvious", "evident", "visible", "clear", or "seeming" to replace "apparent".

What is the difference between "apparent" and "obvious"?

"Apparent" suggests something is easily perceived or understood upon initial observation. "Obvious", on the other hand, implies that something is so clear that it requires no explanation or interpretation. The "obvious solution" might not always be the "apparent solution".

Is it correct to use "apparent" when something is not actually true?

Yes, "apparent" can be used when something seems to be true but might not be. For example, you might say, "His "apparent confidence" was just a facade", indicating that he only appeared confident but was not in reality.