left an appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left an appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how something has created a certain impression or look, often in a context where the appearance is not necessarily reflective of reality. Example: "The old building, despite its dilapidated state, left an appearance of grandeur that captivated visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And as she left an appearance today at Rutgers University, Mrs. Whitman said that neither Mr. Verniero nor Ms. Poritz had been with her during the search.

The New York Times

By the time she left an appearance at a high school in Watkins Glen, in Schuyler County, on Thursday, Mrs. Clinton had visited 58 of the state's 62 counties.

The New York Times

A few of the highlights of the engagement include a world premiere by Ronald K. Brown about Ms. Jamison, left; an appearance by the actress Anna Deavere Smith; a new work inspired by the Harlem Renaissance by a company veteran, Matthew Rushing; and a new ballet by Ms. Jamison set to original jazz compositions by Eric Lewis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It left a building's appearance and structure almost unchanged, and it was more resilient than permanent elevation, which can cost two or three times as much and make a building more susceptible to wind damage.

The New Yorker

There is but one man whose devastating actions and physical appearance have left an indelible mark on the retinas of our minds to perpetuate this kind of distorted reality: Osama Bin Laden.

Huffington Post

There were four instances of "Jew" in the original screenplay, but three were cut, leaving a single appearance of the word, on a printed page.

The New Yorker

The aide was asked to leave a Santorum appearance on Sunday, and did, but he attended the rally here Monday without complaint.

The New York Times

After completed five days of antihelminth, the nematode had disintegrated, leaving a mottled appearance of the macula with mild hyperpigmentation and resolving chorioretinal lesions.

BMC Ophthalmology

She said she had to leave for an appearance on "Hannity" but would try to set up another time to talk.

The New Yorker

An irate caller left a message after my appearance on This Week; according to the software, he called me a "liberal jack gas".

The New York Times

The gold medalist, Buster Crabbe, would soon win fame and fortune in Hollywood, notably as a serial star in the roles of Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon yet Taris, in his sole movie appearance, left a deeper mark on the history of cinema.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left an appearance" when you want to describe the lasting visual or sensory impression something has created, often emphasizing a superficial or deceptive quality. Consider alternatives if you want to highlight the impact or memorability.

Common error

Avoid using "left an appearance" to describe permanent or irreversible changes. This phrase is more appropriate for transient or superficial impressions. For lasting changes, consider using phrases like "permanently altered" or "transformed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left an appearance" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something has created a particular visual or sensory impression. As Ludwig highlights, the impression might not accurately reflect the reality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left an appearance" describes a visual or sensory impression resulting from an action or condition, often implying a superficial or potentially misleading quality. As Ludwig confirms, it is a grammatically sound phrase, although less frequent in formal contexts. When writing, consider whether you want to emphasize a fleeting impression or a lasting impact when choosing between "left an appearance" and alternatives like "created an impression" or "made an appearance". The phrase is commonly found in news media and general writing, making it appropriate for neutral to slightly informal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created an impression

Focuses more on the general feeling or effect produced, rather than a specific visual aspect.

gave the impression

Similar to 'created an impression' but emphasizes the subjective nature of the perception.

made an impression

Highlights the impact or memorability of the appearance.

presented an image

Emphasizes a deliberate construction of a particular visual representation.

projected an aura

Implies a subtle but pervasive quality that is sensed rather than directly observed.

conveyed a sense

Focuses on the communication of a particular feeling or understanding.

exuded an air

Suggests an inherent quality that radiates from the subject.

offered a glimpse

Implies a brief or partial view that hints at something more.

had the semblance

Indicates a superficial similarity that may be misleading.

fashioned a look

Emphasizes the active creation or design of a specific appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "left an appearance" in a sentence?

You can use "left an appearance" to describe a lasting visual or sensory impression. For instance: "The hastily applied paint "left an appearance" of amateurishness."

What can I say instead of "left an appearance"?

Alternatives include "created an impression", "gave the impression", or "made an impression", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "left an appearance" or "made an appearance"?

"Left an appearance" describes a visual or sensory impression, while "made an appearance" refers to the act of being present. Therefore, the correct phrase depends on the intended meaning. Example: "She "made an appearance" at the gala," versus "The shoddy repair "left an appearance" of neglect".

What's the difference between "left an appearance" and "gave an appearance"?

"Left an appearance" typically refers to a lasting or residual impression, whereas "gave an appearance" suggests a more immediate or temporary impression. The emphasis is on duration and persistence versus momentary presentation.