seemingly clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"seemingly clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be easy to understand or perceive, but may not actually be as clear as it seems. Example: The instructions for assembling the furniture were seemingly clear, but after an hour of struggling, I realized I had been following them incorrectly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There are some seemingly clear amnesty choices this year.

The New York Times - Sports

What about the seemingly clear risk that the company could spread itself too thinly?

The Economist

But stay the course, pilgrim: at the end is (seemingly) clear water and (definitely) fresh-tasting fish.

The New York Times

Despite the seemingly clear language, however, landlord-tenant lawyers say it is becoming increasingly unclear as to when violating such a clause may be grounds for eviction.

The New York Times

Most of the 156 golfers in the field are prepared for the surprises that pop up during almost every Open — from balls bouncing sideways into one of the Old Course's 112 bunkers to damp winds arising on seemingly clear days.

The New York Times - Sports

But even with the State Supreme Court's seemingly clear ruling, the board voted only to meet again, wasting what some Democrats see as crucial time -- and extending the misery of people who just want an end to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Look for products that contain sulfur to clear up your acne, seemingly by reducing oil production.

WikiHow

He began with the seemingly clear-cut idea of writing a day trip guide to Connecticut's abundant dinosaur sites.

The New York Times

And there is a seemingly clear-cut ethical position to guide us: people's rights should not depend on when they were born.

The New York Times

Mr. Louima himself was recalled as the final witness to testify about the seemingly clear-cut subject of his own height, one of the many small points that have become murky in a case that turns on details.

The New York Times

The courts do take note of the popular will when they survey state laws to discern the evolving standards of decency, and over the years they have fashioned "saner, stricter legal regimes" for many seemingly clear-cut constitutional rights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seemingly clear" to introduce an idea or situation that appears straightforward but may have hidden complexities or nuances. This allows you to set up a contrast or introduce a more in-depth analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "seemingly clear" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to convey a similar meaning without relying on the same phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemingly clear" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically preceding a noun or noun phrase. It serves to qualify the noun by indicating that the quality of being clear is apparent or superficial, not necessarily absolute. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seemingly clear" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe situations or concepts that appear straightforward but may conceal underlying complexities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "seemingly clear", writers should aim to highlight potential nuances and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "apparently obvious" or "superficially straightforward" can provide variety while conveying a similar sense. Keep in mind that while something can be “seemingly clear”, that doesn’t necessarily make it actually clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparently obvious

Replaces "seemingly" with "apparently", emphasizing the surface-level appearance of clarity or obviousness.

ostensibly evident

Uses more formal synonyms to convey a similar sense of surface-level clarity, suitable for more formal contexts.

superficially straightforward

Highlights that the clarity might only be at a surface level, implying potential underlying complexity.

on the surface, clear

Breaks down the phrase to emphasize the initial impression of clarity.

apparently unambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of apparent ambiguity, while still suggesting potential hidden complexities.

visibly distinct

Focuses on the visual aspect of clarity, suggesting something is easily distinguishable.

outwardly lucid

Uses "outwardly" to emphasize the external appearance of lucidity.

so it seems, clear

Adds a touch of skepticism or uncertainty about the apparent clarity.

under a first look, obvious

Highlights the initial impression and the potential for a deeper analysis.

as far as one can see, clear

Indicates a limitation in perception, suggesting that the clarity might be restricted to what is immediately visible.

FAQs

How can I use "seemingly clear" in a sentence?

You can use "seemingly clear" to describe situations or ideas that appear straightforward initially but might have underlying complexities. For example, "The instructions were "seemingly clear", but I still encountered difficulties assembling the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "seemingly clear"?

Alternatives include "apparently obvious", "ostensibly evident", or "superficially straightforward", depending on the context and the level of formality you require.

Is it redundant to say "seemingly clear"?

While "seemingly" and "clear" individually have straightforward meanings, their combination emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality. It suggests something looks obvious but might not be upon closer inspection. Therefore, it is generally not redundant but adds a nuance.

What's the difference between "seemingly clear" and "obviously clear"?

"Seemingly clear" suggests something appears clear at first glance, but further examination might reveal complexities. "Obviously clear" implies something is unmistakably and undeniably clear, leaving little room for doubt.