it first appears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it first appears" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce an idea that was previously unknown or unmentioned. For example, "It first appears that most people living in this region prefer to vacation at nearby coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite its density, the apartment is not the obstacle course that it first appears.

The New York Times

Or so it first appears.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing is as it first appears.

The Guardian - Arts

The task is even more overwhelming than it first appears.

The New York Times - Magazine

That may prove to be harder than it first appears.

The Economist

The deal is even richer than it first appears.

The New York Times

And it's a more subtle mix than it first appears.

The New York Times - Books

This is a more complicated question than it first appears.

The Guardian

This assumption is more unorthodox than it first appears.

Harvard Business Review

But it, too, is more complicated than it first appears.

The New York Times - Arts

Is this as daft as it first appears?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it first appears" to introduce an observation or assumption that you intend to challenge or qualify later in your writing. This creates anticipation and invites the reader to consider a deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting "it first appears" as a definitive conclusion. Always follow it with further investigation or analysis to provide a more complete and nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it first appears" functions as an introductory expression, often used to present an initial observation or assumption that requires further examination or qualification. As Ludwig AI explains, this signals to the reader that the initial impression may not be the complete picture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it first appears" is a versatile phrase used to introduce initial observations or assumptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts. Remember to utilize this phrase when you plan to delve deeper into a topic, challenging initial perceptions and offering a more nuanced understanding. While alternatives such as "initially it seems" or "at first glance" exist, "it first appears" effectively signals the beginning of a more comprehensive analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it initially seems

Focuses on the initial impression, highlighting the aspect of seeming rather than a direct appearance.

at first glance

Emphasizes a quick, superficial assessment, suggesting a lack of thorough examination.

on the surface

Implies that the true nature is hidden beneath an outer layer or presentation.

it seems at the beginning

Highlights the temporal aspect of the initial impression.

it would seem initially

Adds a degree of uncertainty or speculation to the initial impression.

from the outset

Focuses on the beginning or start, suggesting a perspective from that point forward.

initially, it suggests

Highlights the suggestion or implication of the first impression.

as a first impression

Directly refers to the idea as a first impression, often implying further examination is needed.

to begin with

Indicates a starting point in a series of observations or events.

in the early stages

Highlights the temporal aspect and the possibility of change over time.

FAQs

How can I use "it first appears" in a sentence?

Use "it first appears" to introduce an initial observation or impression that may be incomplete or misleading. For example, "It first appears that the project is failing, but a closer look reveals significant progress in key areas."

What are some alternatives to "it first appears"?

Alternatives include "initially it seems", "at first glance", or "on the surface", each conveying a similar sense of an initial, possibly superficial, assessment.

When is it appropriate to use "it first appears" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to introduce an idea that might be misleading without further context or explanation. It signals that you're about to delve deeper into the subject matter.

What's the difference between "it first appears" and "it is obvious"?

"It first appears" suggests an initial impression that may change with further information, while "it is obvious" implies that something is immediately clear and requires no further investigation. The former invites further analysis, while the latter presents a conclusion.