what it appears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what it appears" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of perception or interpretation, but it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "The situation is not what it appears; there are deeper issues at play."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is it what it appears to be?

The New York Times - Arts

But that's what it appears to be".

The New York Times

I don't know what it appears like.

The New York Times

Or that's what it appears to be".

The New York Times - Sports

It is not exactly what it appears to be.

The New York Times

No big corporation owns what it appears to own.

The New Yorker

It's the very opposite of what it appears to be".

The Guardian - Film

Nothing in Pakistan is what it appears to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

This book is not what it appears to be.

The Guardian

Or, at least, that's what it appears to deal with.

The Guardian - Film

Now the Knicks are entering a period of what it appears will be sustained prosperity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using alternatives such as "what it seems to be" or "what it looks like" instead of "what it appears". These alternatives provide a more direct and widely accepted construction.

Common error

Be cautious of using the phrase "what it appears" in formal writing. It can be perceived as awkward or grammatically incorrect. Opt for clearer phrasing to avoid confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, though commonly used, functions as a relative clause attempting to describe a perceived reality or surface-level understanding. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "what it appears" is commonly encountered, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not grammatically correct in standard written English. It's used to express that something might not be as it initially seems, prompting further scrutiny. However, due to potential grammatical awkwardness, it's advisable to opt for clearer alternatives like "what it seems to be" or "what it looks like", especially in formal contexts. These alternatives enhance clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations. Although the phrase is used across various types of sources, remember that more authoritative alternatives exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it seems to be

Emphasizes the perceived reality or surface-level understanding of something.

what it looks like

Focuses on the visual aspect and the initial impression something gives.

the way it seems

Highlights the subjective impression or feeling one gets from something.

as it appears

A more formal and direct way of saying "what it appears", often used in official contexts.

the apparent situation

Focuses on the evident circumstances or state of affairs.

the surface impression

Highlights the initial and potentially misleading understanding.

the outward appearance

Emphasizes the external aspect and how something presents itself.

what is ostensibly

Implies that something is presented in a certain way but might not be genuine.

the perceived reality

Focuses on how reality is interpreted or understood by individuals.

the facade presented

Highlights a deceptive or misleading outward show.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "what it appears"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what it seems to be", "what it looks like", or "as it appears", depending on the context.

Is "what it appears" grammatically correct?

While used, "what it appears" is often considered grammatically awkward. It's generally better to use phrases like "what it seems" or "how it appears" for improved clarity.

How can I use "what it seems to be" in a sentence?

Example: "The situation is not what it seems to be; there are deeper issues at play."

What's the difference between "what it appears" and "what it seems"?

"What it seems" is a more concise and grammatically accepted way to express the same idea as "what it appears". Using "what it seems" generally results in clearer communication.