deeper than it appears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deeper than it appears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a subject that has more complexity or significance than is immediately obvious. Example: "At first glance, the painting seems simple, but it is actually deeper than it appears, with layers of meaning that invite further exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now Jo Johnson is in favor of a People's Vote, "a reminder that support for a referendum is deeper than it appears," wrote Mujtaba Rahman, managing director and practice head, Europe, for the Eurasia Group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The hole was simply deeper than it appeared.

The Economist

The North Carolina connection might cut a bit deeper than it appeared on the surface.

The New York Times - Sports

This fall was widely interpreted as temporary, a sign that the recession was deeper than it appeared.

The Economist

However, the aftermath caused problems during the day with South Wales Fire and Rescue advising motorists not to drive through flood water, saying it can be deeper and faster flowing than it appears.

BBC

I think it's a lot deeper and a lot more complicated than it appears but it gets a lot of focus".

The Guardian - Sport

is harder than it appears.

The New York Times

"America is much weaker than it appears".

Forbes

MOSCOW — The recession in Russia will run deeper and longer than it appeared even a few months ago, the World Bank concluded in a report released Wednesday, underscoring the impression that Russia has been one of the countries hit hardest in the downturn.

The New York Times

Perceiving the work as "a deeper, more philosophical piece" than it appeared, Mr. Uralsky expanded and polished it for next week's United States premiere.

The New York Times

Yet beneath the smiles she also spoke of her deep fears that peace and stability in South Africa was more precarious than it appeared on the surface.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "deeper than it appears" to hint at underlying complexities or meanings that are not immediately obvious, encouraging further exploration or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "deeper than it appears" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deeper than it appears" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, typically used to qualify a noun or situation. It suggests that the subject in question possesses hidden layers of complexity or significance that are not immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deeper than it appears" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate hidden complexities or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common occurrence across diverse contexts. It serves to invite further scrutiny and analysis, suggesting that a superficial understanding is inadequate. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using it, remember to encourage exploration but avoid overuse, as repetition can dilute its impact. Considering its purpose and register, "deeper than it appears" offers a concise way to prompt critical thinking and encourage a more profound understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more profound than it seems

Replaces "deeper" with "profound" to emphasize the significance rather than the intensity of the hidden aspect.

more complex than it looks

Focuses on the intricacy and complicated nature of the hidden aspects, rather than the depth.

more meaningful than initially perceived

Highlights the significance and value that is not immediately obvious.

not as simple as it seems

Uses a negative construction to convey the idea that something is more complicated than it appears.

more layered than one might think

Emphasizes the multiple levels of meaning or complexity involved.

more nuanced than it appears at first glance

Highlights the subtle differences and complexities that are not immediately noticeable.

hides greater complexity

Shortens the original phrase while retaining the core idea of concealed complexity.

there's more to it than meets the eye

An idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of hidden aspects or significance.

it is not as shallow as it appears

Uses "shallow" as the opposite of "deep" to emphasize the hidden depth.

underneath the surface

Focuses on the idea that the apparent reality conceals a more intricate reality.

FAQs

How can I use "deeper than it appears" in a sentence?

You can use "deeper than it appears" to suggest that something has hidden complexities or significance. For example, "The issue is "deeper than it appears", requiring a more thorough investigation."

What are some alternatives to "deeper than it appears"?

Alternatives include "more complex than it looks", "more profound than it seems", or "not as simple as it seems", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "deeper than it appears" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that the superficial understanding of a subject is incomplete and that there are underlying layers of meaning or complexity that need to be considered. For instance, "The problem is "deeper than it appears", affecting multiple departments."

Is "deeper than it appears" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "deeper than it appears" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of your writing rather than the specific setting. It is acceptable in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations.