as it appears

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it appears" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You might use it to draw attention to a particular fact or opinion that you agree with, for example: The new policy on maternity leave is a good one, as it appears to be very generous and family friendly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's gone as fast as it appears.

Harvard University

However, all is not as it appears.

The Guardian

All is not quite as it appears.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe not as hard as it appears.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it may not be as simple as it appears.

The Guardian

But that may not be as bleak as it appears.

The New York Times - Sports

That's the record as it appears from outside the room.

The Washington Post

But nothing is ever as it appears during these playoffs.

The Washington Post

Just as important, not everything is always as it appears.

The New York Times

Nothing is quite as it appears at the theater.

The New York Times

Yet the reality seems to be as it appears.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, make sure to balance its use with further analysis. While it is useful to signal a cautious approach, always consider supplementing it with additional information from the surrounding context.

Common error

Avoid using "as it appears" as a substitute for thorough investigation or critical analysis. Ensure your writing reflects a deeper understanding beyond initial impressions. Don't base your arguments solely on what "as it appears", but what you can demonstrate through evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it appears" serves as a discourse marker, introducing information based on current observation or readily available data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to cautiously present information based on observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it appears" is a versatile connector used to introduce information based on initial observation or readily available data. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across different text types and also shows its common usage in News & Media, Academia, and Science. To enhance your writing, use it to cautiously present information and avoid over-reliance on superficial judgments. Consider alternatives like "seemingly" or "ostensibly" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Always double check to ensure there's more information to add or if it sounds too vague. As you can see in the writing guidance section, it's important to use it to signal a cautious approach, always consider supplementing it with additional information from the surrounding context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from what one can see

Highlights that the speaker's understanding is based on observation.

at first glance

Similar to 'on the surface', but specifies the initial moment of observation.

to the casual eye

Suggests that something is only apparent to someone who is not looking closely. Implies missing detail.

seemingly

Focuses on the surface-level impression, implying a potential difference from the underlying reality. Implies doubt.

superficially

Indicates a lack of depth or thoroughness in the observation. Close to 'seemingly'.

by all indications

Suggests that there are multiple signs pointing to a particular conclusion.

on the surface

Emphasizes the initial or immediate perception, implying a need for deeper investigation.

ostensibly

Highlights the stated or apparent reason, often suggesting a hidden or different motive. More formal.

to all intents and purposes

Indicates that something is effectively true, even if not technically or strictly so. More formal.

by outward show

Emphasizes external presentation, often implying deception or a difference from the internal reality. Slightly archaic.

FAQs

How can I use "as it appears" in a sentence?

You can use "as it appears" to present information based on initial observation, such as "As it appears, the project is on schedule", indicating a preliminary assessment.

What are some alternatives to using "as it appears"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "seemingly", "ostensibly", or "on the surface".

Which is correct, "as it appears" or "like it appears"?

"As it appears" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrase. "Like it appears" is generally considered less formal and less precise.

What's the difference between "as it appears" and "as it seems"?

While similar, "as it appears" focuses more on visual or observable evidence, whereas "as it seems" can refer to a broader range of sensory or intuitive impressions. You can also use the alternative "seemingly".