by all appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

"by all appearances" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means based on what can be seen or observed, usually suggesting that something may not be as it seems. You can use it to describe something that seems to be true or real based on your observations, but there is a possibility that it is not entirely accurate. Example: By all appearances, the new restaurant is doing well with its busy crowd and positive reviews, but behind the scenes, the owners are struggling financially.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

By all appearances, the Sulzbergers never flinched.

The New York Times

By all appearances, their routine is unchanged.

The New York Times - Sports

Pretty good, by all appearances.

The Guardian - Opinion

By all appearances, the system is working.

The New Yorker

By all appearances, he is well adjusted.

The New York Times - Health

By all appearances, they were ordinary children.

The New York Times

He is also, by all appearances, a vile human being.

The New Yorker

This is, by all appearances, a grudging concession.

The New Yorker

By all appearances, he is in the clear.

The New York Times - Sports

And by all appearances, Taihong got a sweet deal.

The New York Times

And by all appearances Obama's Administration over-learned this lesson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "by all appearances," be mindful of the potential for irony or understatement, especially if subsequent information contradicts the initial impression. Consider using a contrasting phrase like "however" or "in reality" to signal a shift in perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "by all appearances" as a substitute for thorough investigation or critical analysis. Relying solely on surface-level assessments can lead to inaccurate conclusions and flawed decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by all appearances" serves as an evidential marker, indicating that a statement is based on observable evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It introduces a proposition that seems true based on available information, but implies the possibility of a different reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by all appearances" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something seems to be the case based on available evidence, though potential for hidden information exists. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly within News & Media. When using the phrase, remember that it introduces an assessment based on observation and is neutral in register. Related phrases include "seemingly" and "apparently", each with slightly different nuances. Avoid using the phrase as a substitute for thorough investigation, as superficial observations can be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparently

Similar in meaning, but can also imply hearsay.

seemingly

Shorter, single-word adverb focusing on outward appearance.

as far as one can tell

More explicit about the limitation of knowledge.

from what one can see

Highlights the visual aspect of the assessment.

on the face of it

Idiomatic expression emphasizing a superficial assessment.

at first glance

Implies an initial impression that might change upon closer inspection.

it would seem

More tentative and less assertive.

ostensibly

Formal term highlighting a stated or pretended reason or appearance.

superficially

Focuses solely on the surface-level observation, possibly misleading.

to all intents and purposes

Emphasizes practical equivalence despite minor technicalities.

FAQs

How can I use "by all appearances" in a sentence?

Use "by all appearances" to introduce a statement that seems true based on available observations, acknowledging possible hidden complexities. For example: "By all appearances, the company is thriving, but there are rumors of financial troubles."

What phrases are similar to "by all appearances"?

Alternatives include "seemingly", "apparently", and "on the face of it". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "by all appearances" formal or informal?

"By all appearances" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly colloquial, it's readily understood and accepted in a variety of settings.

What's the difference between "by all appearances" and "ostensibly"?

"By all appearances" suggests an assessment based on observation, while "ostensibly" indicates a stated or pretended reason. "By all appearances" focuses on what is seen; "ostensibly" focuses on what is claimed.