"to all appearances"是一个介词短语,用来表示“根据所有表面迹象/现象判断”,相当于:
apparently(显然)
on the surface(表面上)
from what one can see(从所见来看)
to all outward seeming(从外表看)
它通常在句中作状语,修饰整个句子或谓语动作,强调“从外部观察到的结果”(不一定是事实,但符合表面逻辑)。
可置于句首、句中或句尾:
句首:To all appearances, the team is ready for the game.(从表面看,这支队伍已准备好比赛。)
句中:The new manager, to all appearances, is very experienced.(这位新经理,从一切迹象看,非常有经验。)
句尾:The project is progressing smoothly to all appearances.(这个项目表面上进展顺利。)
常与描述“表面状态”的动词/形容词连用(如be, seem, look等),但也可修饰具体动作:
He seems happy to all appearances, but I know he’s struggling.(他表面上看起来开心,但我知道他在挣扎。)
To all appearances, she handled the crisis calmly.(从表面看,她冷静处理了危机。)
不要与类似短语混淆:
in appearance:更强调“外表上”(侧重“外观”本身),如:He is formal in appearance.(他外表很正式。)
to all appearances:侧重“根据所有表面迹象推断”(隐含“观察者的判断”)。
1、 To all appearances, the company is profitable, but its finances are actually in ruins.(从表面看公司盈利,但实际上财务已崩溃。)
2、 She’s a quiet girl to all appearances, but she’s actually very adventurous.(她表面上是个安静的女孩,但其实很爱冒险。)
3、 The plan worked perfectly to all appearances—no one noticed the mistake.(这个计划表面上完美执行,没人发现错误。)
总结:"to all appearances"是表达“表面判断”的常用短语,核心是“根据可见的迹象得出结论”,适用于描述“看似如此但可能有内在差异”的场景。