made an appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

"made an appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that someone or something showed up, or was seen. For example: The actor made an appearance on the red carpet before the awards show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A decapitated torso also made an appearance).

The Economist

Pants, another vanishing item, made an appearance.

The New York Times

Even the artist Jeff Koons made an appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

Roger Clemens hasn't made an appearance either.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the Tata Nano made an appearance.

The New York Times

In total, 40 people made an appearance.

The Guardian - Books

Nanotechnology has also made an appearance in automation.

Instrumentation Reference Book

Memphis Depay made an appearance from the bench.

Independent

"She hasn't made an appearance during training or competition.

The New York Times

That version of Zvonareva has not made an appearance here.

The New York Times - Sports

And various vitamins and minerals made an appearance, as well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made an appearance" when you want to emphasize a brief or notable presence, rather than simply stating that someone or something was present. It often suggests a deliberate or noteworthy act of showing up.

Common error

While "made an appearance" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "attended", "participated", or "presented" when appropriate to convey the specific nature of the presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made an appearance" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of someone or something becoming visible or present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression used to describe a person or thing showing up, often at an event or in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made an appearance" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe someone or something becoming visible or present, often in a noteworthy or deliberate manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While ""showed up"" and ""turned up"" are viable alternatives, it's important to consider the level of formality and desired emphasis when choosing the most appropriate phrase. Avoid overuse in highly formal writing and opt for more specific verbs when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put in an appearance

A more emphatic way of saying "made an appearance", highlighting a deliberate but potentially brief visit.

showed up

Implies someone or something arrived or became visible, similar to making an appearance but often more informal.

turned up

Similar to "showed up", indicating arrival or presence, with a slightly more casual tone.

surfaced

Suggests something previously hidden became visible or known.

emerged

Implies coming out of something or becoming visible after being concealed.

was present

Directly states the presence of someone or something, lacking the nuance of a brief or notable appearance.

attended

Specifically refers to being present at an event or gathering.

materialized

Suggests something appeared suddenly or unexpectedly, often with a hint of surprise.

graced with their presence

Suggests a distinguished or welcomed appearance, often used in a more formal or complimentary context.

became visible

Focuses on the act of becoming seen, rather than the intentional act of appearing.

FAQs

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

You can use "made an appearance" to describe someone or something that showed up or became visible, as in "The guest star "made an appearance" during the final scene".

What are some alternatives to "made an appearance"?

Some alternatives include "showed up", "turned up", "surfaced", or "emerged", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "made an appearance" or "put in an appearance"?

"Put in an appearance" is a more emphatic version of ""made an appearance"", suggesting a deliberate but potentially brief visit. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What is the difference between "made an appearance" and "was present"?

"Was present" simply states that someone or something was there. "Made an appearance" implies a more active or noticeable act of showing up, often suggesting a specific purpose or event.