create an appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create an appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making something seem a certain way, often in contexts related to perception or presentation. Example: "The magician was able to create an appearance of levitation that amazed the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"It appears that the UK government is now seeking to create an appearance that the Guardian and Washington Post's disclosures are harmful, and they are doing so by intentionally leaking harmful information to The Independent and attributing it to others.

The Guardian - Opinion

The policy cautions the network's journalists against taking part in activities that might create an appearance of conflict of interest.

The Washington Post

Analysts argued that Mr. Sobyanin, who was all but assured of victory, wanted Mr. Navalny's candidacy to create an appearance of competition and add legitimacy to the race.

The New York Times

On the one hand this gives you optimal vision and on the other hand dirty glasses create an appearance of negligence".

The Guardian - Business

Consulting by decision makers may create an appearance that businesses can influence the direction of research, an appearance that Dr. Zerhouni said must be avoided.

The New York Times

"Foreclosures may result in vacant homes that may invite crime and create an appearance of market distress, diminishing the market value of other nearby properties," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Lawyers for the mother, Ilsa Kaye, had argued that the Web site created an appearance of impropriety and bias.

The New York Times

The juror's lawsuit charges that evidence released by McCulloch created "an appearance of transparency" not sustained by fact.

The Guardian

Dwarf western mock orange, a Northwest native, has thin branches, which spray out, creating an appearance of a fountain three feet high.

The New York Times - Style

In my view, the arrangement was ill-advised and created an appearance that could be construed by some as corrupt, but was not in actuality.

The New York Times

By vacationing in a small group with Mr. Cheney and taking things of value, Justice Scalia created an appearance of bias in Mr. Cheney's favor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In marketing, consciously "create an appearance" aligning with your brand values through consistent messaging and visuals.

Common error

Don't assume that efforts to "create an appearance" are always deceptive. Sometimes, it's about clearly communicating genuine values or intentions that might otherwise be misunderstood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create an appearance" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of producing or establishing a particular outward semblance or impression. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used across diverse contexts, from politics to business, to denote the intentional shaping of perception.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create an appearance" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of shaping perception. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While often associated with intentional manipulation or deception, it can also refer to legitimate efforts to communicate values clearly. Alternatives such as "give the impression" or "project an image" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider whether the context requires highlighting potential deceptiveness or simply the act of shaping how something is perceived.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the impression

Emphasizes the act of imparting a specific feeling or idea to someone.

foster a semblance

Highlights the cultivation of a superficial likeness or outward show.

project an image

Focuses on the deliberate communication of a specific perception or identity.

manufacture an illusion

Implies a more deceptive or artificial creation of a false impression.

cultivate a facade

Suggests the development of a deceptive outward appearance to conceal reality.

put on a show

Highlights the theatrical or performative aspect of creating a specific impression.

affect a mannerism

Focuses on adopting a specific behavior or style to create an impression.

stage a display

Highlights the act of organizing or presenting something to create a specific effect.

engineer a perception

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate manipulation of how something is viewed.

contrive an effect

Suggests the use of clever or artificial means to produce a desired outcome or impression.

FAQs

How can I use "create an appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "create an appearance" to describe efforts to give a certain impression, as in, "The politician tried to create an appearance of unity despite internal disagreements."

What's a good alternative to "create an appearance"?

Alternatives include "give the impression", "project an image", or "foster a semblance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "create an appearance"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply deception, "create an appearance" can also refer to legitimately shaping perceptions to accurately reflect reality or values.

Which is more accurate, "create an appearance" or "give an impression"?

Both phrases are valid, but "create an appearance" often suggests a more deliberate and potentially artificial construction, whereas "give an impression" is a broader term that doesn't necessarily imply intent.