apparently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apparently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something seems to be true based on the information that you have. For example, "Apparently her mother works as a teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Apparently not".

The New York Times

Not so, apparently.

The Economist

Prospective managers are apparently being unnerved by PSG's long-term interest in the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, whom they still hope to hire at the end of his contract next summer.

The Guardian - Sport

"I know part of Christian faith is forgiveness but another part of Christian faith is calling people to be their best selves... whether that justifies what has apparently been done is open to profound questions".

The Guardian

Once completed, it will expand an already lengthy list of outsized projects that are apparently intended to burnish the reputation of the former Soviet Union's poorest country.

The Guardian

Not only has Alessandro Nencini, the presiding judge of the Florence appeals court, apparently resorted to the same tortured logic as his predecessors; he has also stated things as fact that are manifestly and provably wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arnold Schwarzenegger is apparently on a mission to terminate the myth that protecting the environment hurts the economy.

The Guardian - Film

One issue upon which they stuck fast - Grade apparently threatened to resign over it - was their opposition to "top-slicing" of the BBC licence fee.

The Guardian - Opinion

She took on the newly created job of representing moorland owners a year ago, convinced she could find a bridge between apparently conflicting interests.

The Guardian

No matter how hard parts of the media have tried to brand her "the greatest threat to the constitution since the abdication crisis" – bigger even than the second world war, apparently – many people still see her on TV and think she looks like a half-decent person and politician.

The Guardian - Opinion

The prison had apparently been abandoned by the French authorities to disease and death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparently" to introduce information that you've heard or read but can't personally vouch for. This adds a layer of objectivity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "apparently" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your text sound uncertain or hesitant. Vary your language with synonyms like "seemingly", "evidently", or "ostensibly" to maintain a confident tone.

Linguistic Context

Apparently functions as an adverb, modifying a sentence or clause to indicate that something seems to be true based on the available information. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often introduces information without absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Apparently is a common adverb used to indicate that something seems to be true based on the information at hand, but without absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it adds a layer of objectivity, overusing "apparently" can make your writing sound hesitant. Consider alternatives like "seemingly" or "evidently" to maintain a confident tone. Remember to use "apparently" when you want to convey information without fully endorsing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly

Indicates that something appears to be the case based on initial observation, without guaranteeing it's actually true.

ostensibly

Replaces "apparently" by emphasizing a stated or seeming purpose, potentially concealing the real one.

it seems that

Expresses that something appears to be the case, based on current observations or information.

evidently

Suggests something is clear and obvious from the available evidence.

by all accounts

Based on what many people are saying; according to general opinion.

on the face of it

Implies that something seems true based on initial appearance, but further investigation may be needed.

to all appearances

Similar to "apparently", but it gives more weight to the visual aspect of a situation. It's all about the way things look.

allegedly

Used when reporting claims that have not been proven, particularly in legal contexts.

as far as one can tell

Highlights the limitations of current knowledge, suggesting conclusions are tentative.

reportedly

Indicates that information comes from reports or sources, but its accuracy isn't confirmed.

FAQs

How can I use "apparently" in a sentence?

"Apparently" is used to convey that something seems to be true based on the information available. For example, "Apparently, the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to saying "apparently"?

Alternatives include "seemingly", "evidently", "ostensibly", or "reportedly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "apparently"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "apparently". It functions as an adverb, modifying the entire sentence that follows.

What's the difference between "apparently" and "obviously"?

"Apparently" suggests something appears to be true based on available information, while "obviously" indicates something is easily perceived or understood. "Obviously" implies a greater degree of certainty than "apparently".