assume the appearance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume the appearance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that takes on a certain look or form, often in a metaphorical or figurative sense. Example: "The fog began to assume the appearance of a thick blanket, enveloping the entire landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

— You will be used, as a hired gun, to assume the appearance of the truth in order to assassinate it.

The Guardian - Film

Assange warned Cumberbatch: "You will be used, as a hired gun, to assume the appearance of the truth in order to assassinate it.

The Guardian

One tree may in time assume the appearance of a very dense thicket as a result of the tangle of roots and trunks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many algorithms assume the appearance of an object as being invariable during tracking.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Based in S3′s headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., the new firm will assume the appearance of a startup, with all the marketing and manufacturing power of S3 behind it, says general manager Janet Leising.

Forbes

This is a strategy that's often used by actors both to get in the proper mindset for an emotional scene and to help assume the appearance of someone who's experiencing these intense emotions.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But Marcia Paul, a lawyer for Mr. Salinger, said the book has assumed the appearance of a sequel.

The New York Times

As the All, brahman either causes the universe and all beings to emanate from itself, transforms itself into the universe, or assumes the appearance of the universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the electronic media grew more sophisticated technologically, elections increasingly assumed the appearance of a personal struggle between the leaders of the principal parties concerned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fiona Paisley in her biography of Fernando, The Lone Protester, writes: "When taking up a position in front of the London headquarters of the Australian government, Fernando assumed the appearance of an Old Testament prophet.

The Guardian

If it has in some passages assumed the appearance of eulogy, it has done so not for the purpose of unduly exalting its subject, but from a firm conviction of the truth of the statements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume the appearance of", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of transformation or resemblance you intend to convey. It's effective for describing gradual changes or when something takes on a superficial likeness to something else.

Common error

Avoid using "assume the appearance of" in situations where a direct, literal description would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the building assumed the appearance of a skyscraper", say "the building looked like a skyscraper" if it simply resembled one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume the appearance of" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of something taking on a particular form or characteristic. As Ludwig AI explains, it's often used metaphorically. The examples provided showcase its use in various contexts, such as describing a tree transforming into a thicket or a cell resembling a half-moon.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume the appearance of" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe something taking on a particular form or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in scientific, news media, and encyclopedic contexts. It serves to convey a change in form or presentation, often implying a superficial transformation. While "assume the appearance of" is generally neutral to formal, it's essential to consider the context to ensure its appropriate use. Avoid overusing it in situations where a direct description would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on the semblance of

Emphasizes a superficial similarity or imitation.

mimic the look of

Highlights the act of imitating a visual aspect.

present as

Focuses on the act of showing or displaying something in a specific manner.

imitate the facade of

Stresses the imitation of an outward or superficial appearance.

affect the guise of

Implies a deliberate adoption of a misleading or deceptive appearance.

simulate the form of

Suggests creating a model or representation of a particular shape or structure.

put on the air of

Indicates adopting a manner or attitude to give a specific impression.

have the character of

Focuses on possessing qualities or attributes that resemble something else.

affect the presence of

Highlights the act of creating the impression of being somewhere or something.

exhibit the traits of

Emphasizes the display of certain characteristics that resemble something else.

FAQs

How can I use "assume the appearance of" in a sentence?

You can use "assume the appearance of" to describe something that begins to look like something else. For example, "The clouds began to assume the appearance of mountains as the sun set."

What are some alternatives to "assume the appearance of"?

Some alternatives include "take on the semblance of", "mimic the look of", or "present as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "assumes the appearance of" instead of "assume the appearance of"?

Yes, "assumes the appearance of" is correct when referring to a singular subject. For example, "The banyan tree assumes the appearance of a thicket."

What is the difference between "assume the appearance of" and "take on the appearance of"?

While both phrases are similar, "assume the appearance of" suggests a gradual or less complete transformation, whereas "take on the appearance of" might imply a more definite change.