makes an appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

'makes an appearance' is a correct and usable phrase in English writing.
It generally means that something has arrived, been seen, or been introduced. For example: The mayor made a surprise appearance at the rally.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

She makes an appearance.

The New Yorker

(Her son, a congressman, makes an appearance).

The New York Times

Even KARL MARX makes an appearance.

The New York Times

Ryan Gosling also makes an appearance.

The New York Times

Even the glockenspiel makes an appearance.

The New Yorker

Samantha finally makes an appearance.

The Guardian

Chris Rock makes an appearance.

The New York Times

Just in case someone makes an appearance.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Would Minaj make an appearance?

The New Yorker

Penguins also make an appearance.

The New York Times - Books

Even the artist Jeff Koons made an appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes an appearance" to denote a notable or anticipated presence, especially when the arrival is of some significance to the context. For example, "The guest speaker makes an appearance after the opening remarks."

Common error

Avoid using "makes an appearance" when describing completely unexpected or random occurrences. It's better suited for planned or at least anticipated presences. For example, instead of saying "A squirrel made an appearance in my kitchen", try "A squirrel got into my kitchen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes an appearance" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of someone or something becoming visible or present, often in a formal or noteworthy context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes an appearance" is a common verb phrase used to describe the act of someone or something becoming visible or present, often in a formal or anticipated way. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for describing planned or significant presences. Alternatives include "shows up" or "arrives", but these may lack the same level of formality or emphasis. When using "makes an appearance", ensure it aligns with the context and intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puts in an appearance

Emphasizes a brief or formal presence.

shows up

Replaces a formal tone with a more casual expression of arrival.

turns up

Similar to "shows up" but may imply an element of surprise or unexpectedness.

arrives on the scene

Highlights the action of coming into view, often unexpectedly.

becomes visible

States the act of becoming able to be seen, more literal.

is present

Indicates a state of being in a particular place.

materializes

Suggests a sudden or unexpected appearance, often seemingly out of nowhere.

is introduced

Highlights the action of something or someone being presented for the first time.

attends

Focuses on participation in an event.

is unveiled

Used when something new or previously hidden is revealed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "makes an appearance" is used to indicate that someone or something arrives or becomes visible, often in a formal or anticipated context. For example: "The celebrity "puts in an appearance" at the charity gala".

What are some alternatives to "makes an appearance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "shows up", "arrives", "is present", or "becomes visible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "made an appearance" instead of "makes an appearance"?

Yes, "made an appearance" is the past tense form of the phrase and is perfectly correct when referring to an event that has already happened. For instance: "He "made an appearance" at the party last night".

What is the difference between "makes an appearance" and "appears"?

While both indicate that someone or something becomes visible, "makes an appearance" often implies a more formal, intentional, or significant presence. "Appears" is a more general term for becoming visible. For example, a ghost appears but a celebrity "makes an appearance".