from the outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from the outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an outsider’s perspective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: "From the outside, it seemed like an idyllic life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FROM the outside, it looks pretty good.

The Economist

First, learn from the outside.

The Guardian

It's impressive from the outside.

The New York Times - Arts

From the outside, everything seemed normal.

The New York Times - Sports

It looks beautiful from the outside.

Independent

From the outside, Chongjin looked unchanged.

The New Yorker

The inside becomes indistinguishable from the outside.

The New Yorker

The fantasies may come from the outside.

The New York Times - Arts

From the outside the house is gorgeous.

The New York Times

I see myself, but from the outside.

The New Yorker

No flames were visible from the outside.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from the outside" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint to an internal reality or deeper understanding. This helps to create a more nuanced and complete picture.

Common error

Avoid presenting an observation "from the outside" as an absolute fact. Qualify it as a perspective, acknowledging that it may differ from the internal experience or a more informed viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the outside" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a perspective originating from an external viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from the outside" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote an external perspective, frequently contrasting with internal realities. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. When using the phrase, remember to present it as a viewpoint rather than an absolute truth and be aware of more formal alternatives for certain contexts. Ludwig examples also showcase its utility in contrasting superficial appearances with deeper realities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an external observer

Formally states that the viewpoint is coming from someone who is watching but not participating.

from an outsider's perspective

Highlights that the viewpoint is that of someone not involved or included.

from an external viewpoint

Replaces "the outside" with a more formal term emphasizing the perspective's origin.

to the casual observer

Specifies that the perspective is that of someone who is not deeply knowledgeable.

by outward appearances

Focuses on what can be inferred from how something looks or presents itself.

from a distance

Similar to "seen from afar" but can also imply a lack of emotional connection.

viewed externally

Uses an adverb to indicate that something is seen or considered from the outside.

judging from appearances

Suggests a conclusion based solely on superficial or visible factors.

on the surface

Indicates an assessment based on initial observations only.

seen from afar

Emphasizes distance and lack of direct involvement in the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "from the outside" in a sentence?

You can use "from the outside" to describe an external perspective or appearance. For example, "From the outside, it looked perfect", suggesting that the reality might be different.

What are some alternatives to saying "from the outside"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "from an outsider's perspective", "on the surface", or "by outward appearances".

Is it always appropriate to use "from the outside" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "from an external viewpoint" or "as an external observer" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "from the outside" and "from within"?

"From the outside" refers to an external view or perspective, while "from within" refers to an internal view or perspective. They are often used to contrast different aspects of a situation or entity.