from all appearances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from all appearances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something seems to be a certain way based on the information or evidence available, even if it may not be the complete truth. Example: "From all appearances, the project is on track for completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Correction Appended FROM all appearances, Trek Light Gear is a substantial operation.

The New York Times

From all appearances, the Vice-Pres.

The New Yorker

From all appearances, the search seemed unlikely to succeed.

The New Yorker

That, from all appearances, was putting it mildly.

The New York Times

From all appearances -- including a law degree from Yale -- very.

The New York Times

Trump's thinking is, from all appearances, frighteningly disordered.

The New Yorker

Perkins feels vindicated by the outcome, and, from all appearances, remains close to Hurd.

The New Yorker

From all appearances, Microsoft has reason for concern, particularly where corporate clients are concerned.

The New York Times

This Congress can't imagine how, from all appearances – and that's dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

But from all appearances, it has entered a period of inner confusion, verging on the dysfunctional.

The New York Times

Springsteen's life in the past two decades has been, from all appearances, notably stable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing; while versatile, this phrase is best suited for objective reporting or when conveying an impression without stating it as a definitive fact.

Common error

Avoid using "from all appearances" when you have access to detailed or conclusive evidence. Instead, present the factual information directly without framing it as a mere impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from all appearances" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is true based on available evidence. As Ludwig confirms, it's used to introduce an observation based on readily available information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from all appearances" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an observation based on available information. According to Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey impressions without claiming definitive truth. When using this phrase, remember to consider the certainty of your evidence and avoid it when concrete data is available. Ludwig also provides several alternatives, such as "apparently" or "seemingly", to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparently

A more concise adverb, implying that something seems to be true based on what is known.

seemingly

Suggests that something appears a certain way, though the reality might be different.

ostensibly

Indicates that something is presented or appears to be true, but might conceal a different motive or fact.

on the face of it

Emphasizes that something appears a certain way at first glance, without deeper investigation.

to all intents and purposes

Means virtually or practically, indicating that something is true in almost every important respect.

by all indications

Highlights that various signs or signals point to a particular conclusion.

as far as one can tell

Implies a degree of uncertainty, suggesting that the conclusion is based on limited information.

it would seem that

Introduces an observation or conclusion based on the available evidence.

from what one can gather

Indicates that the conclusion is formed from piecing together various bits of information.

to the casual observer

Highlights that the impression is readily apparent, at least to someone who isn't looking too closely.

FAQs

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

You can use "from all appearances" to indicate that something seems to be true based on the information available, even if you don't have all the facts. For example, "From all appearances, the company is doing well, but we need to see the financial reports to be sure."

What phrases are similar to "from all appearances"?

Similar phrases include "apparently", "seemingly", or "on the face of it". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the certainty of the observation.

Is "from all appearances" formal or informal?

"From all appearances" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more direct statement unless you specifically want to convey uncertainty.

When should I avoid using "from all appearances"?

Avoid using "from all appearances" when you have concrete evidence or data that confirms a situation. The phrase is best used when you're making an observation based on incomplete information. Instead, provide the facts directly.