presentable appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presentable appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone or something that looks neat, tidy, and suitable for a particular situation or audience. Example: "Before the meeting, make sure you have a presentable appearance to create a good impression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Bathe often and keep a presentable appearance.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most jobs have basic guidelines involving a presentable and professional appearance, but when a 'uniform' involves a skimpy vest and hot pants bearing the company logo, it becomes a cause for concern.

The Guardian

In "Fahrenheit 9/11" Paul Wolfowitz was so appearance-conscious that he used a bit of saliva in lieu of gel to make sure that he was looking presentable for a television appearance.

The Washington Post

Presentable, but sombre in appearance, he played loners on the edges of society, and even sanity, who were in their different ways concerned with justice – either sympathetically or not.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's no need to overdo your appearance, but looking presentable will make the customer more confident about buying from you.

WikiHow

Ensure that the clothes you are wearing are not creased and your general appearance should be presentable by above average standards.

WikiHow

Show some presentable decorations with your delicious pie.

WikiHow

As the introduction says, the dress code dictates "a well-groomed appearance" and that "being suitably presentable helps to communicate our values and our culture".

The Guardian - Money

Encourage the children to take a little extra care in their appearance; they don't need to be fancy, just presentable.

The New York Times

Your appearance and your demeanor will set the tone of the party, so you must be presentable and sociable from beginning to end.

WikiHow

He's unusually presentable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "presentable appearance", ensure your clothing is clean, well-fitting, and appropriate for the setting. Pay attention to grooming details, such as hair and nails, to project a polished image.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming that a "presentable appearance" means the same thing in every situation. Consider the context – what's presentable for a business meeting differs greatly from what's presentable for a casual social gathering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presentable appearance" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes the quality of someone's or something's outward presentation, emphasizing neatness and suitability. Ludwig indicates that it is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presentable appearance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes someone or something looking neat and suitable for a particular situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and shows up in contexts ranging from WikiHow guides to reputable news outlets like The Guardian and The New York Times. Although its frequency is rare, striving for a presentable appearance is crucial for creating positive impressions. Remember to consider the context when defining what presentable means in a given scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neat look

Focuses on the tidiness and orderliness of someone's appearance.

tidy appearance

Emphasizes the cleanliness and order in one's look.

smart appearance

Highlights the stylish and well-put-together aspect of someone's look.

well-groomed look

Stresses the care and attention given to one's personal grooming.

clean appearance

Highlights the cleanliness and freshness of one's look.

well-kept appearance

Emphasizes the maintenance and care taken to preserve a good look.

professional look

Suggests an appearance that is appropriate and suitable for a professional setting.

respectable appearance

Indicates an appearance that commands respect and is socially acceptable.

appropriate attire

Focuses on the suitability of clothing for a given situation.

impeccable grooming

Indicates a very high standard of grooming and attention to detail.

FAQs

What does "presentable appearance" mean?

A "presentable appearance" generally refers to looking neat, tidy, and appropriately dressed for a given situation. It implies that you have taken care with your grooming and clothing to make a positive impression.

How can I achieve a "presentable appearance" for a job interview?

For a job interview, a "professional look" is key. This typically involves wearing business attire, ensuring your clothes are clean and well-fitting, and paying attention to grooming details such as hair and nails.

What are some synonyms for "presentable appearance"?

Some synonyms for "presentable appearance" include "neat look", "tidy appearance", and "well-groomed look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to have a "presentable appearance"?

While it's not always strictly necessary, having a "presentable appearance" is generally beneficial. It can help you make a good first impression, show respect for others, and boost your confidence. However, the level of formality required varies depending on the context.