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Prepositions with nouns

In appearance or of appearance?

In appearance is a fixed expression meaning how someone or something seems externally. Of appearance is not a normal standalone combination in modern English, though appearance can follow of in larger noun phrases such as changes of appearance.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use in appearance to talk about outward looks or first impressions. The phrase of appearance is generally not used by itself after appearance. However, of can introduce another noun related to appearance, as in a change of appearance.

The twins are similar in appearance but very different in personality.
The device looks simple in appearance yet contains advanced technology.
The accident caused a major change of appearance in the building.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in appearance

Describing outward look or impression

Use in appearance to describe how a person or thing seems from the outside.

The two fabrics are identical in appearance.
The candidate seemed confident in appearance.
2
change in appearance

Talking about a difference in how something looks

Use change in appearance when appearance is the thing that changes.

After the renovation, there was a noticeable change in appearance.
3
appearance of + noun

Identifying what appears

Appearance of is common when appearance means arrival or visible presence.

The sudden appearance of smoke alarmed the crowd.
We noticed the appearance of cracks in the wall.
4
of appearance

Understanding the limited use of this combination

Of appearance is not usually used as a fixed phrase after appearance. It may occur as part of a larger structure such as change of appearance or matters of appearance.

The actor underwent a dramatic change of appearance for the role.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in appearance
The brothers are similar in appearance.
Correct fixed expression meaning outwardly or visually similar.
of appearance
The phrase of appearance alone sounds unnatural in most contexts.
Usually nonstandard as a standalone alternative to in appearance.
appearance of + noun
The appearance of the comet surprised scientists.
Refers to something becoming visible or arriving.
change of appearance
The app received a complete change of appearance.
A larger noun phrase where of links two nouns naturally.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of appearance instead of in appearance

Use in appearance for outward looks or first impressions.

✕ The cars are identical of appearance. ✓ The cars are identical in appearance.

Confusing appearance of with in appearance

Appearance of introduces the thing that appears, not a visual description.

✕ The twins are appearance of each other. ✓ The twins are similar in appearance.

Leaving out the noun before of appearance

Of appearance usually needs a governing noun such as change or matter.

✕ The design is modern of appearance. ✓ The design is modern in appearance.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The two phones are almost identical ___ appearance.
2. The sudden appearance ___ fog delayed the flight.
3. The renovation caused a major change ___ appearance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in appearance formal?

It is neutral and common in both formal and everyday English.

Can I use of appearance by itself?

Usually no. It sounds unnatural unless another noun comes before it, such as change of appearance.

What does appearance of mean?

It usually means that something becomes visible, arrives, or exists in a noticeable way.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"? "in class" or "of class"?

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