outwardly so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outwardly so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears a certain way on the outside, often contrasting with an inner reality or truth. Example: "He seemed confident and composed, but outwardly so, he was struggling with self-doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It may be outwardly so similar as to be difficult to distinguish from Venetian glass proper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There never was, perhaps, outwardly so tame a general election as Saturday's.

The Guardian

His crowds have rarely been larger or more enthusiastic — often, perhaps, more outwardly so than the candidate himself.

The New York Times

It's interesting, though, that Cavett, outwardly so much more refined than a go-for-the-gut puncher like Leno, indulges in the same kind of easy, pat indignation.

The New York Times - Books

After that, they become sexual, outwardly so, and learn that women (or other men) cannot be impressed by tricks of any kind: if they are watching at all, they are as interested as they are ever going to be, and tricks are of no help.

The New Yorker

I was sad, but not outwardly so.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But I wanted terror in broad daylight, in a place that outwardly seems so safe.

The Guardian - Film

In a logarithmic spiral lattice, elementary antennas are arranged in a grid of an outwardly spiral so as to have no translational periodicity.

AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications

But that is not as cut and dry as it would seem since many who are intellectually disabled do not outwardly appear so, and the timing an officer has to make this determination can be frighteningly brief.

Huffington Post

Consider: — FACT Trump is racist and outwardly says so. (source: Huffington Post, 'Here Are 13 Examples Of Donald Trump Being Racist') — FACT he wants to build a big dividing wall (source: Huffington Post, 'Trump's Border Wall Would Cost $40 Billion') — FACT he threatened to IMPRISON anyone who disagrees with him!

Vice

Other members of our family were outwardly-oriented, so I felt like a misfit even at home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "outwardly so" to show there's more than meets the eye.

Common error

Avoid using "outwardly so" when a simpler adverb like "outwardly" would suffice. The "so" adds emphasis to a contrast, which isn't always needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outwardly so" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to describe the external appearance or presentation of something. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in highlighting a contrast between external presentation and underlying reality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "outwardly so" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that adds depth and nuance to writing. According to Ludwig, it's often employed to contrast external appearances with underlying realities. It functions to introduce irony or complexity, making it suitable for neutral to formal contexts, with a leaning towards news and media. It is less common in everyday conversation. Remember that while "outwardly so" is grammatically valid, simple phrases, such as "outwardly" alone may be more suitable and efficient depending on the context. The key takeaway is to ensure that the phrase adds meaningful emphasis to a contrast, and does not sound out of place or wordy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly so

Emphasizes the appearance or impression given, potentially differing from the actual situation.

apparently so

Highlights that something appears to be a certain way based on available evidence.

on the surface

Indicates a superficial understanding or observation, implying a deeper reality may exist.

from the outside

Focuses on an external viewpoint or perspective, potentially contrasting with an internal one.

to all appearances

Suggests a judgment based on what is visible or evident, without necessarily knowing the complete picture.

superficially so

Implies that the characteristic is true only on a surface level.

externally so

Focuses solely on external aspects, without considering internal factors.

ostensibly so

Highlights that something is presented or declared in a particular way, which may or may not be genuine.

by all accounts

Indicates that a particular assessment is broadly agreed upon.

it would seem

Implies that based on available information, something can be inferred.

FAQs

How can I use "outwardly so" in a sentence?

Use "outwardly so" to indicate that something appears a certain way on the surface, even if the reality is different. For example: "He seemed calm, but outwardly so; inside, he was panicking."

What are some alternatives to "outwardly so"?

You can use phrases like "seemingly so", "apparently so", or "on the surface" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "outwardly" and "outwardly so"?

"Outwardly" simply refers to external appearance. "Outwardly so" implies a contrast between the outward appearance and the inner reality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "outwardly so"?

Yes, "outwardly so" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that appears a certain way on the outside, which may not be the complete or true picture.