external appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when referring to physical features that can be observed from the outside, such as clothing and physical features. For example: She was always concerned with her external appearance and made sure to dress to impress.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sponges vary greatly in external appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both subspecies are nearly identical in external appearance.

Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals

This includes "their look, external appearance, clothing, gestures and written or oral statements".

The New York Times - Sports

Bob and Maggie would like to change the external appearance of the property.

The Times

One thing that's impressive is the internal appearance versus the external appearance.

Cornell University

The feeding habits of the charadriiforms are as varied as their external appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The external appearance of Prague and the smaller boroughs and towns changed markedly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The external appearance of the genitalia undergoes seasonal variation in a number of primates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The addition of TCP seemed to contribute to the rough external appearance of the scaffold.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

"Portraiture for Richter is all to do with external appearance; he believes you can never know what's inside".

The Guardian - Arts

But "one of the failings is the way the external appearance is at the expense of internal architecture".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or object, combine "external appearance" with details about their behavior or function to create a more complete picture. For instance, instead of just saying "The building had an impressive external appearance", add "The building had an impressive external appearance that reflected its innovative design principles."

Common error

Avoid over-relying on describing the "external appearance" without providing deeper insights. For example, instead of saying "His external appearance was impeccable", elaborate on the impact this has or the efforts he makes to maintain it. Consider adding, "His impeccable external appearance suggested a dedication to detail that extended to all aspects of his life."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external appearance" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the outward physical characteristics or presentation of something. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "external appearance" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the outward physical characteristics of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including science, news, encyclopedias, and general discourse. While describing "external appearance", it is important to provide deeper insights beyond mere aesthetics, such as its impact or relation to other qualities. Consider alternatives like "outward presentation" or "visible form" depending on the specific context. Remember to balance descriptions of "external appearance" with internal qualities for a more comprehensive portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outward presentation

Focuses more on the act of presenting oneself rather than simply the appearance.

physical aspect

Emphasizes the tangible and material attributes of something.

surface features

Highlights characteristics that are immediately visible on the surface.

visible form

Stresses the shape and structure that can be seen.

superficial look

Indicates a quick or shallow assessment of appearance.

aesthetic quality

Specifically refers to the beauty or artistic appeal.

visual aspect

Highlights what is perceived through sight.

facial expression

Implies an element of emotion, more focused on face.

general aspect

Refers to overall features or form.

outer shell

Implies something that covers and protects

FAQs

How can I use "external appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "external appearance" to describe the visible qualities of a person, object, or place. For example, "The building's external appearance was modern and sleek", or "Her external appearance was carefully curated to project an image of professionalism."

What's a good alternative to "external appearance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "outward presentation", "physical aspect", or "visible form".

Is it better to focus on "external appearance" or internal qualities?

The focus depends on the context. While "external appearance" is important for first impressions and aesthetics, internal qualities like character and skills are crucial for long-term relationships and success. A balanced approach is often best.

What does "external appearance" refer to in architecture?

In architecture, "external appearance" refers to the visible design and features of a building's exterior, including its facade, materials, and overall style. This can significantly impact how the building is perceived and its integration with the surrounding environment.