to be apparent

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be apparent' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be clearly visible or easy to see. Example: It was apparent that he had put a lot of effort into decorating the room. In this sentence, 'to be apparent' is used to convey that the fact that the person had put effort into decorating the room was clearly visible or easy to see.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fewer solutions seem to be apparent.

The New York Times

"They want the quality to be apparent.

The New York Times - Style

Two things that ought to be apparent all the time become briefly clear to you again.

The New Yorker

Most often, nitrogen narcosis begins to be apparent at about 10 m of depth.

Britannica

The full effects of Lazard's cost-savings initiatives are expected to be apparent next year.

The New York Times

But that magic did not seem to be apparent to the Clemens jury this week.

The New York Times - Sports

The disorder is more common in men, and it tends to be apparent by early adulthood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if sales followed a back-to-the land theme, we might expect this to be apparent in Wisconsin.

University of California, Berkeley

The need for action doesn't seem to be apparent, and he will have to consolidate his power.

The New York Times

As soon as a sketch begins, the audience looks for this premise and it needs to be apparent.

The Guardian - Books

If you're just there to make money, it tends to be apparent and it is far less likely you'll succeed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "to be evident" or "to be obvious" when aiming for a more direct or emphatic tone.

Common error

While "to be apparent" is versatile, excessive use in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clear" or "obvious" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be apparent" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a predicate adjective complementing a linking verb (e.g., "is", "seems", "appears"). It modifies the subject by describing its quality of being easily perceived or understood. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be apparent" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something is easily seen or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts underscores its appropriateness for both formal and neutral registers. While synonyms like "to be obvious" or "to be evident" offer simpler alternatives for informal settings, "to be apparent" remains a reliable choice for clear and precise communication. Remember to avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become apparent

This alternative focuses on the process of something becoming visible or clear over time.

to be obvious

This alternative emphasizes the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

to be evident

This suggests that something is easily perceived, often supported by evidence.

to be noticeable

Focuses on the quality of attracting attention and being easily observed.

to be clear

Highlights the quality of being easy to understand or perceive without ambiguity.

to be discernible

Indicates that something is capable of being distinguished or recognized.

to be visible

Emphasizes the capability of being seen or observed.

to be manifest

Suggests a clear and undeniable demonstration of something.

to be palpable

Indicates that something is so evident it can almost be physically felt.

to be conspicuous

Highlights the quality of being strikingly noticeable or attracting attention.

FAQs

How can I use "to be apparent" in a sentence?

You can use "to be apparent" to indicate that something is easily visible or understood. For example, "It was apparent that he was nervous" means it was easy to see he was nervous.

What is a good alternative to "to be apparent"?

Alternatives include "to be obvious", "to be evident", or "to be clear". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "to be apparently" instead of "to be apparent"?

No, "to be apparently" is not grammatically correct. "Apparent" is an adjective describing the state of being easily seen or understood, while "apparently" is an adverb modifying a verb or sentence. You would say "it is apparent" or "apparently, it is...".

What's the difference between "to be apparent" and "to become apparent"?

"To be apparent" describes a current state of visibility or understandability, while "to become apparent" describes the process of something becoming visible or understood over time.