contrary to appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

"contrary to appearances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to insinuate that something is different than what it may seem. For example, "Contrary to appearances, the house was very old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Contrary to appearances, he said, the Parkers' marriage was not a happy one.

The New Yorker

Contrary to appearances, this wasn't really a serious effort to shut down the government.

The New Yorker

Contrary to appearances, the law's main tenets are unlikely to be abandoned completely.

The Economist

"They kept saying that, contrary to appearances, we weren't actually triplets.

The New York Times

Contrary to appearances, political competition does take place in Russia; but it is to be found inside the Kremlin.

The Economist

Contrary to appearances, the last two questions are an attempt to gain popular backing for gas exports.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Which, it seems, is how Key – contrary to appearance – likes it, and is what Waugh may well have sensed on a broiling day in Perth six years ago.

Independent

So either contrary to appearance we do not really know the contents of our own thoughts, or if we do, externalism is false.

SEP

Contrary to outward appearances Peggy had been distraught, particularly about Rebecca's adoption.

The New Yorker

Even the official Congolese army continues to harbour child soldiers, despite the fact that it is – contrary to all appearances – illegal to do so.

Independent

Jacobs admits at the very outset to a particular interest in the geological theory "that mountains, contrary to all appearances... are ephemeral beings that are born and die".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrary to appearances" to introduce a surprising or unexpected truth that challenges initial perceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "contrary to appearances" when simply adding additional information that doesn't necessarily contradict the initial impression; ensure there is a genuine contrast or surprising element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to appearances" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a statement or observation that contradicts the initial or superficial perception of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contrary to appearances" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement that contradicts the initial perception of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While its register is generally neutral to formal, it effectively serves to signal a contrast between outward appearances and underlying reality, prompting the audience to reconsider initial assumptions. It's important to ensure the scope of the contrast is genuine and not merely additive information. Remember that this phrase is a valuable tool for unveiling surprising truths and challenging superficial understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite outward indications

Focuses on the misleading nature of external signs.

notwithstanding what one might think

Emphasizes a contrast with common assumptions.

belies its apparent nature

Highlights the hidden truth behind a deceptive facade.

in defiance of expectations

Stresses the unexpected turn of events.

the reality is otherwise

Directly states a differing truth.

it would seem, but

Sets up a contrast, implying deception.

things aren't always as they seem

More general expression of the same idea.

different from what is perceived

Highlights the difference between reality and perception.

on the face of it, but

Emphasizes a superficial initial assessment.

what meets the eye is deceptive

Focuses on the deceitful nature of appearances.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to appearances" in a sentence?

You can use "contrary to appearances" to introduce a statement that opposes what might be initially believed or perceived. For example, "Contrary to appearances, he was a kind and generous man".

What is a good alternative to "contrary to appearances"?

Alternatives include phrases like "despite outward indications", "notwithstanding what one might think", or "in defiance of expectations" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "contrary to appearances"?

Yes, it's generally recommended to use a comma after "contrary to appearances" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause.

What does "contrary to appearances" imply?

"Contrary to appearances" implies that the reality of a situation is different from how it initially seems or is perceived, often suggesting a surprising or unexpected truth.