Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it wasn't apparent
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
If "TRL" had faded, it wasn't apparent in Times Square.
News & Media
It wasn't apparent that the person on the stage was the person he is now".
News & Media
In fact, it wasn't apparent at first that there were three separate blobs.
News & Media
There must have been a pattern to the bombing, but it wasn't apparent to me.
News & Media
However it wasn't apparent to everyone 36 years ago that the singer's stars were aligning.
News & Media
If part of his mind is on City Hall, it wasn't apparent on Saturday.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
48 human-written examples
It was not apparent that we were moving.
News & Media
But it was not apparent how this would happen.
News & Media
If there is a crisis in global financial markets, it was not apparent in Asia and Europe today.
News & Media
It was not apparent on Tuesday what had changed Mr. Karzai's mind.
News & Media
If it was not apparent before, it is clear now that the Ebola threat is potentially global.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it wasn't apparent" to subtly indicate that something was not easily perceived or understood, rather than directly stating that it was absent.
Common error
Avoid using "it wasn't apparent" for very obvious situations; instead, opt for more direct and straightforward language.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it wasn't apparent" functions as an observation or commentary on a situation where something is not immediately obvious or perceivable. It often sets the stage for further explanation or provides a subtle critique. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Academia
2%
Encyclopedias
2%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it wasn't apparent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of immediate visibility or understanding. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicates that it's versatile enough for both neutral and professional communication. The semantic diversity offers alternatives like "it wasn't obvious" or "it wasn't clear", allowing for nuanced expression while maintaining clarity. Although grammatically correct and commonly found across varied sources, careful attention should be paid not to overuse it in simple or obvious situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it wasn't obvious
Replaces "apparent" with "obvious", maintaining the same meaning of not being easily noticed or understood.
it wasn't clear
Substitutes "apparent" with "clear", indicating a lack of clarity or distinctness.
it wasn't evident
Uses "evident" instead of "apparent", suggesting that something was not readily visible or noticeable.
it wasn't noticeable
Replaces "apparent" with "noticeable", focusing on the lack of being easily seen or detected.
it wasn't visible
Uses "visible" in place of "apparent", emphasizing the lack of visual indication.
it didn't seem to be
Employs a more descriptive structure, conveying the idea that something did not give a particular impression.
it didn't show
A more concise way of saying that there was no outward sign or indication of something.
it wasn't revealed
Indicates that something was not disclosed or made known.
it wasn't disclosed
Similar to "wasn't revealed", but with a more formal connotation of not being officially shared.
it remained unseen
Highlights that something continued to be unnoticed or unobserved.
FAQs
What does "it wasn't apparent" mean?
The phrase "it wasn't apparent" means that something was not easily seen, noticed, or understood. It implies a lack of obviousness.
How can I use "it wasn't apparent" in a sentence?
You can use "it wasn't apparent" to describe a situation where something was not immediately clear or visible. For example, "If "TRL" had faded, "it wasn't apparent" in Times Square."
What can I say instead of "it wasn't apparent"?
You can use alternatives like "it wasn't obvious", "it wasn't clear", or "it wasn't evident" depending on the context.
Is "it wasn't apparent" formal or informal?
"It wasn't apparent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the neutral to formal side due to its use in news and media.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested