not immediately apparent

USAGE SUMMARY

"not immediately apparent" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used in a sentence to describe something that is not easily seen or understood at first glance.
It is often used when there is a hidden meaning or a subtle aspect that requires closer examination. Example: The true motivations behind her actions were not immediately apparent, but with time and careful consideration, her true intentions were revealed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Kuchar's artistry is not immediately apparent.

The New York Times

Twist on original: Not immediately apparent.

The Guardian - Film

Some of those harms are not immediately apparent.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Saturday night the crevasse was not immediately apparent.

The Guardian - Sport

THE charms of Germantown are not immediately apparent.

The New York Times - Travel

Naturally, the "gift" in this loss was not immediately apparent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The content of the letter was not immediately apparent.

The Guardian

The cause of the fire was not immediately apparent.

The New York Times

Duk-koo's aptitude for pugilism was not immediately apparent.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not immediately apparent why this should be.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reason for some choices in such a grouping is not immediately apparent.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not immediately apparent" when you want to subtly indicate that something requires deeper thought or investigation to be understood. This phrase avoids being overly critical while still pointing out a lack of initial clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "not immediately apparent" when describing something that is plainly obvious with minimal reflection. Using it in such cases can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted and pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not immediately apparent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a quality or characteristic is not easily or quickly perceived. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights a lack of initial clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not immediately apparent" serves as a subtle yet powerful tool for indicating a lack of initial clarity, prompting deeper thought or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Analysis reveals that it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Related phrases such as "not obviously evident" and "not readily visible" offer alternative ways to express a similar meaning. When using this phrase, be sure it fits the context, avoiding overuse in situations where the meaning is already plain. The phrase sees frequent usage across multiple reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not initially obvious

Emphasizes that the lack of clarity is at the beginning.

not obviously evident

Highlights the absence of clear evidence.

not self-explanatory

Suggests that further explanation is needed for understanding.

not easily discernible

Emphasizes the difficulty in distinguishing or recognizing something.

not plainly understood

Stresses the lack of immediate comprehension.

not readily visible

Focuses on the lack of visual obviousness.

not directly perceivable

Implies that something cannot be grasped without additional processing.

not manifestly clear

Highlights the lack of overt clarity.

not transparently obvious

Uses "transparently" to suggest a lack of openness in understanding.

not intuitively grasped

Focuses on the absence of immediate understanding through intuition.

FAQs

How can I use "not immediately apparent" in a sentence?

The phrase "not immediately apparent" indicates that something is not obvious or easily understood at first glance. For example, "The solution to the problem was "not immediately apparent", requiring careful analysis of the data".

What are some alternatives to "not immediately apparent"?

Alternatives include "not obviously evident", "not readily visible", or "not easily discernible". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "not immediately apparent" or "not immediately obvious"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Not immediately obvious" might be slightly more direct and easier to grasp, while "not immediately apparent" suggests a subtlety that requires more thought.

What does it mean when something is "not immediately apparent"?

When something is "not immediately apparent", it signifies that its true nature, cause, or implications are not easily recognized or understood without further investigation or consideration.