📅 Updated: May 22, 2026 | CLAT 2027 Preparation Edition
✍️ By Priya Sharma, LLM NALSAR | Senior Law Education Editor
🔍 Reviewed by: 10+ CLAT toppers (AIR 1–100)
Best books for CLAT 2027 preparation | section-wise book list covering Legal Reasoning, English, GK, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques for CLAT aspirants
Best Books for CLAT 2027 | Section-Wise Guide | LawGuru India | Updated May 2026
📌 The Golden Rule of CLAT Preparation
Books Required Per Section
1–2 Books
Total Books Needed
6–8 Books Max
Essential Daily Practice
The Hindu | 45 min/day
Mock Tests Needed
50+ Full Mocks
Biggest Mistake
Buying Too Many Books
#1 Legal Reasoning Book
AP Bhardwaj (Pearson)
📋 Table of Contents | CLAT Books 2027
1. Quick Picks | The Shortest Book List That Works 2. CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern | What the Books Must Cover 3. Best Books for CLAT English Language (Section 1) 4. Best Books for GK & Current Affairs (Section 2) 5. Best Books for CLAT Legal Reasoning (Section 3) 6. Best Books for CLAT Logical Reasoning (Section 4) 7. Best Books for Quantitative Techniques (Section 5) 8. Best All-in-One CLAT Guide Books 9. Books to Avoid for CLAT 2027 10. 12-Month Study Plan Using These Books 11. Best Books for CLAT PG (LLM Preparation) 12. FAQs | CLAT Books 2027

1. Quick Picks | The Shortest CLAT Book List That Works

If you want the fastest answer, here is the minimum viable CLAT 2027 book list | the exact combination that CLAT toppers (AIR 1–50) consistently used and verified in our surveys. This list requires no more than 8 books total:

📖
English Language
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis
⚖️
Legal Reasoning
Legal Aptitude | AP Bhardwaj (Pearson)
🌍
GK & Current Affairs
Manorama Yearbook 2027
🧠
Logical Reasoning
Analytical Reasoning | MK Pandey
🔢
Quantitative Techniques
RS Aggarwal | Quantitative Aptitude
📰
Daily Habit (Must-Have)
The Hindu | Editorial + National
💡 Why Fewer Books Win

CLAT toppers read 1 book per section deeply | not 5 books superficially. Revision depth beats breadth. 6 well-mastered books + 50 full-length mock tests will outperform any stack of 20 half-read guides. The checklist above is your complete arsenal. Everything below explains why each was chosen and how to use it.

2. CLAT 2027 Exam Pattern | What Your Books Must Cover

Before buying any book, understand the exact structure of CLAT 2027. The exam is passage-based | every question derives from a reading passage. This fundamentally changes what kind of books are useful. A textbook that gives you direct MCQs on legal definitions is far less useful than one that builds comprehension and inference skills.

Section Questions Marks Difficulty Book Requirement
English Language 28–32 28–32 Medium–High Reading comprehension + vocabulary builder
Current Affairs & GK 35–39 35–39 High Yearbook + daily newspaper (12 months)
Legal Reasoning 35–39 35–39 High CLAT-specific legal aptitude + bare acts
Logical Reasoning 28–32 28–32 Medium Analytical reasoning + argument analysis
Quantitative Techniques 13–17 13–17 Easy–Medium Class 10-level arithmetic + data interpretation
TOTAL 120 120 | Negative marking: –0.25 per wrong answer

The passage-based format means you must build reading speed and inference skill above rote memorisation. Books that helped in older CLAT formats (pre-2020) may be less effective for CLAT 2027. The recommendations below are specifically calibrated for the current pattern.

📖

3. Best Books for CLAT English Language (Section 1)

28–32 Questions | Focus: Comprehension, Inference, Vocabulary

The English Language section of CLAT 2027 tests your ability to read dense passages (often from The Hindu editorials, legal judgments, or literary texts) and answer questions on main idea, inference, tone, and vocabulary in context. You do not need to memorise grammar rules | you need to read fast and understand deeply.

1
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis | Pocket Books | Latest Edition
⭐ Topper Favourite Vocabulary Self-Study
The single best vocabulary-building book for CLAT | and for life. Norman Lewis structures vocabulary acquisition through word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, so you derive meanings of unfamiliar words rather than memorising lists. CLAT passages frequently use sophisticated legal and academic vocabulary; this book builds the mental model to decode them. One chapter per day over 2 months transforms your reading confidence. Read it early in your preparation | ideally in the first 3 months.
🏆 Verdict: Must-Buy. Non-negotiable for English vocabulary. Start in Month 1.
2
High School English Grammar and Composition
Wren & Martin | S Chand | Revised Edition
Grammar Reference Optional
Wren & Martin is the classic grammar reference for Indian students. For CLAT, you do not need to work through this book cover-to-cover | the exam is not a grammar test. However, if your English foundation is weak (you struggle with subject-verb agreement, tense, or sentence construction), revise Parts I and II of this book to fix the fundamentals. Students with strong English can skip this entirely.
📌 Verdict: Optional. Only if your grammar is weak. Skip if comfortable with English.
3
The Hindu & The Indian Express (Newspapers)
Daily Reading | 45 Minutes per Day
⭐ #1 English Source Free / Low Cost Non-Negotiable
No book replicates what daily newspaper reading does for CLAT English. The passages in CLAT are virtually indistinguishable from The Hindu's editorial page. Reading the Editorial, Opinion, and National sections daily for 12 months does four things simultaneously: builds reading speed, expands vocabulary in context, prepares you for Legal Reasoning arguments, and covers most of the Current Affairs syllabus. This is the single highest-ROI activity in all of CLAT preparation | and it costs less than ₹15 per day.
🏆 Verdict: Highest ROI activity. 45 minutes every single day. No exceptions.
📌 English Preparation Strategy

For CLAT English: Word Power Made Easy (vocabulary, 2 months) + The Hindu daily (comprehension, 12 months) = complete English preparation. Do not buy separate reading comprehension workbooks | the passages in actual CLAT mocks and previous papers serve that purpose far better.

🌍

4. Best Books for GK & Current Affairs (Section 2)

35–39 Questions | Highest-Scoring Section | 12-Month Preparation Required

GK and Current Affairs carries the highest number of questions in CLAT 2027 (35–39 questions, nearly one-third of the paper). It also has the widest syllabus | covering national and international affairs, polity, economics, science, environment, sports, and legal-constitutional events over the preceding 12 months. This section rewards consistent daily preparation over last-minute cramming.

1
Manorama Yearbook 2027
Malayala Manorama | Annual Edition | ~₹310
⭐ Best GK Reference Static GK India & World
Manorama Yearbook is the definitive reference for CLAT GK | comprehensive, affordable, and trusted by CLAT toppers for two decades. The 2027 edition covers the full calendar year of events (2026), India's polity and constitution, science & technology, environment, geography, economy, and sports. It is not a cover-to-cover read | use it as a reference to supplement gaps in your daily current affairs notes. The chapters on Indian Constitution, India's Government, and major international organisations are especially CLAT-relevant.
🏆 Verdict: Must-Buy. The GK bible for CLAT. Buy the 2027 edition when available.
2
General Knowledge 2027
Arihant Publications | Annual Edition | ~₹285
GK Reference Alternative to Manorama
Arihant's GK book is a popular alternative to Manorama, often preferred by students who find Manorama's format overwhelming. It covers the same categories | polity, economy, science, geography, awards, sports | in a more structured chapter-based layout. Particularly strong on Static GK: capitals, currencies, international organisations, and Indian history. You only need one GK yearbook | choose either Manorama or Arihant, not both. Manorama has broader coverage; Arihant has better layout for structured revision.
📌 Verdict: Buy either Manorama OR Arihant | not both. Manorama preferred by most toppers.
3
LawGuru India Daily Current Affairs Notes
LawGuru India | Free | law.digitalgujaratscholarships.com
Free Resource CLAT-Specific Daily Updates
Static GK books cannot cover the rolling 12 months of current events leading up to CLAT 2027. You must supplement yearbooks with a reliable daily current affairs source curated specifically for CLAT aspirants | one that filters national noise and highlights CLAT-relevant events (legal judgments, constitutional amendments, international treaties, economic policies, environmental agreements). LawGuru India's free daily current affairs notes are structured for CLAT relevance. Bookmark and read daily.
🏆 Verdict: Essential daily habit. No yearbook replaces 12 months of daily current affairs.
"I read The Hindu editorial every morning and made 2–3 line notes on major events. By the time of the exam, my Manorama Yearbook had 200+ sticky notes on it. GK is the easiest to score if you are consistent | and the hardest if you cram at the end."
| CLAT 2026 Topper, AIR 7, NLSIU Bangalore

Legal Reasoning is the defining section of CLAT | the one that separates aspirants from toppers. Crucially, no prior law knowledge is required. Every question gives you a legal principle in the passage and asks you to apply it to a factual situation. The skill tested is logical application of given principles | not memorisation of IPC sections. However, legal awareness helps you read passages faster and understand context more naturally.

1
Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning
AP Bhardwaj | Pearson Education India | Latest CLAT Edition
⭐ #1 Most Recommended CLAT Pattern Passage-Based
AP Bhardwaj's Legal Aptitude is universally acknowledged as the best book for CLAT Legal Reasoning | it has held that position for over a decade, and the new CLAT pattern has only strengthened its relevance. The book covers core legal concepts: torts, contracts, property law, family law, constitutional principles, and criminal law | presented as principles-with-applications that mirror the CLAT format exactly. The question bank at the end of each chapter mirrors actual CLAT-style passages. Chapters on "Principle and Fact" application are particularly critical. Work through this book at least twice.
🏆 Verdict: The only book you need for Legal Reasoning. Do it twice. Non-negotiable.
2
Legal Awareness and Legal Reasoning
AP Bhardwaj | Pearson | Separate Title for Legal Awareness
Legal Awareness Supplement
This is the companion volume to AP Bhardwaj's core book | specifically covering legal awareness: important constitutional provisions, landmark Supreme Court judgments, legal maxims, and law-related current affairs. While the main exam no longer tests direct recall of SC judgments, this book sharpens your contextual understanding of legal passages, helping you read faster and understand nuances in Legal Reasoning sections. Do not use this as the primary book; treat it as a supplement to build legal literacy.
📌 Verdict: Recommended Supplement. Use after completing the core AP Bhardwaj book.
3
Constitution of India | Bare Act
Government of India / EBC Publishers | Pocket Edition | ~₹150
Primary Source Low Cost
CLAT Legal Reasoning frequently draws passages from constitutional law | Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Parliament, Judiciary. Reading the key articles (Articles 12–35 for Fundamental Rights; Articles 52–78 for Executive; Articles 79–122 for Parliament; Articles 124–147 for Judiciary) in the bare act gives you an intuitive familiarity that speeds up legal passage reading. You do not need to memorise article numbers | you need to understand the structure and logic of constitutional provisions. A pocket edition costs under ₹150 and is invaluable.
📌 Verdict: Read key articles (12–35, 52–147). Invaluable for constitutional passage speed.
⚠️ Common Legal Reasoning Mistake

Many students try to memorise legal maxims, IPC sections, and court judgments for CLAT. This is wasted effort for the new CLAT pattern. The exam provides you the legal principle | you apply it. Focus 80% of your Legal Reasoning prep on application practice (questions from AP Bhardwaj and previous CLAT papers), and 20% on building general legal literacy through newspaper coverage of Supreme Court decisions.

🧠

6. Best Books for CLAT Logical Reasoning (Section 4)

28–32 Questions | Argument Analysis & Critical Reasoning Focus

CLAT Logical Reasoning in the new pattern is not the traditional puzzle-based reasoning (blood relations, seating arrangements) that most standard aptitude books focus on. Instead, it is argument-based critical reasoning | passages presenting arguments, and questions asking you to identify assumptions, strengthen/weaken arguments, identify flaws, and draw conclusions. Choose books accordingly.

1
Analytical Reasoning
MK Pandey | BSC Publishing (Think Tank) | Latest Edition
⭐ Top Pick Critical Reasoning CLAT Pattern
MK Pandey's Analytical Reasoning is the gold standard for CLAT Logical Reasoning. Unlike standard reasoning books that focus on puzzles and arrangements, this book emphasises argument analysis, statement-assumption, statement-conclusion, and critical reasoning | the exact types that appear in CLAT. The chapters on "Assumptions," "Arguments," "Inferences," and "Course of Action" are the most CLAT-relevant. Work through these thoroughly. The explanations are particularly clear on why wrong options are wrong | which is how you learn to avoid traps.
🏆 Verdict: Best book for CLAT Logical Reasoning. Covers the right topics with the right depth.
2
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning
RS Aggarwal | S Chand | Latest Edition
Comprehensive For Weak Foundations
RS Aggarwal's Logical Reasoning is broader than MK Pandey | it covers both traditional puzzle reasoning and argument-based reasoning. If your logical reasoning foundation is weak and you want a comprehensive start, this is the book. However, if you are reasonably confident in reasoning and just want CLAT-specific practice, MK Pandey is more targeted. Avoid doing both unless you have abundant preparation time (12+ months). Pick one based on your current level.
📌 Verdict: Good for weaker students. MK Pandey preferred for CLAT-specific preparation.
🔢

7. Best Books for Quantitative Techniques (Section 5)

13–17 Questions | Easiest Section | Class 10 Level Arithmetic

Quantitative Techniques is the lightest section in CLAT | both in question count (13–17 questions) and difficulty (Class 10 level). Do not over-invest here. The questions involve basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, data interpretation from charts/graphs, and simple algebra. A student with decent Class 10 Maths has 80% of this covered already.

1
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
RS Aggarwal | S Chand | 7th or later Edition
⭐ Most Comprehensive All Arithmetic Topics
RS Aggarwal's Quantitative Aptitude covers every arithmetic topic that appears in CLAT. You do not need to complete the entire book | focus on Chapters covering: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Data Interpretation, and Number System. These 8–10 chapters cover virtually all Quantitative questions in CLAT. Solve the exercises in each selected chapter twice. Do not venture into advanced topics (permutations, probability, complex algebra) | they don't appear in CLAT.
🏆 Verdict: Use for selected chapters only. Do not attempt the entire book | waste of time.
2
Mathematics | NCERT Class 9 & Class 10
NCERT | Free / Low Cost
Free Foundation
If your Class 10 Maths is rusty or you studied in a non-Maths stream, begin here before RS Aggarwal. NCERT Class 9–10 covers number systems, polynomials, linear equations, triangles, and statistics | the foundational concepts needed. This is not the exam book; it is the concept refresher. Spend 2–3 weeks on relevant NCERT chapters, then move directly to RS Aggarwal exercises for practice. Students with strong Class 10 Maths can skip this entirely.
📌 Verdict: Only if weak in Maths. Strong students: skip and go directly to RS Aggarwal practice.
📚

8. Best All-in-One CLAT Guide Books

Complete Guides | For Beginners & Structured Learners

All-in-one CLAT guides cover all 5 sections in a single volume. They are especially useful for beginners who want a bird's-eye view of the entire syllabus and structure before deep-diving into section-specific books. They are also useful for last-minute revision in the final 2 months before the exam.

1
Universal's Guide to CLAT & LLB Entrance Examination
Universal Law Publishing (LexisNexis) | Annual Edition
⭐ Best All-in-One All 5 Sections Practice Questions
Universal's Guide is the most comprehensive all-in-one CLAT preparation book available. Published by Universal Law Publishing (a premier Indian legal publisher), it covers all 5 CLAT sections with theory, examples, and practice questions. Particularly strong on Legal Reasoning and current legal developments. It also includes previous years' CLAT papers with detailed solutions | an invaluable resource for understanding what the exam actually looks like. Most CLAT coaching institutes reference this book in their curricula. Buy the most recent edition for updated content.
🏆 Verdict: Best all-in-one. Excellent for beginners and for final-month revision.
2
Target CLAT | 15 Practice Sets
Disha Publications | Latest Edition
Practice Tests Mock Exam Format
This is a practice test book | not a theory guide. Disha Publications' 15 full-length CLAT practice sets give you structured exam simulation with detailed answer explanations. The question quality is good and follows the new passage-based CLAT pattern closely. Use this in the final 3 months of preparation alongside your coaching mock tests. Solving under timed conditions builds exam temperament and identifies your weakest sub-topics. Combine with analysis of each mock to maximise improvement.
📌 Verdict: Excellent practice book for last 3 months. Not a theory substitute | pair with content books.

9. Books to Avoid for CLAT 2027 | Honest Assessment

Choosing the wrong books is as important as choosing the right ones. Several popular books are recommended widely online but are poorly matched to the current CLAT pattern. Avoid these or use them minimally:

❌ Pre-2020 CLAT Preparation Books
CLAT changed its pattern fundamentally in 2020 | from MCQ-based to passage-based. Any book written for the old format trains you for an exam that no longer exists. Always check the edition year. If the book was last updated before 2020, it likely still has old-pattern questions. Verify the content matches the current pattern before buying.
❌ GK Books with No Month/Year on Cover
GK yearbooks without a clear publication year are often reprints of older editions sold at discount. For CLAT GK, the edition year matters critically | you need 2027 events. Always check the publication date and buy the latest edition, even if it costs slightly more.
❌ Multiple GK Yearbooks
Students often buy both Manorama Yearbook and Arihant GK out of fear. This doubles your reading load without proportionate benefit. Both books cover similar content. Choose one and master it. Spending 40 hours with Manorama is far better than spending 20 hours each on two books.
❌ Verbal Reasoning Books (Traditional Puzzle Format)
Books focused on traditional logical puzzles | seating arrangements, blood relations, direction tests, coding-decoding | are minimally useful for CLAT 2027's argument-based Logical Reasoning section. CLAT logical reasoning is closer to GMAT Critical Reasoning than to SSC Reasoning. Use MK Pandey's Analytical Reasoning instead.
❌ Advanced Mathematics Books
Books covering permutations, probability, complex algebra, coordinate geometry, or calculus waste time for CLAT Quantitative Techniques. The exam tests Class 10-level arithmetic only. Any quantitative aptitude book at the CAT/SSC-CGL level is overkill. Stick to RS Aggarwal's selected chapters.

10. 12-Month Book-Based Study Plan for CLAT 2027

The following monthly plan integrates all the recommended books with progressive difficulty | starting with foundations and ending with full-length mock practice. CLAT 2027 is expected in December 2026; this plan assumes you start January 2026. Adjust timelines proportionally if starting later.

Jan 2026
Month 1–2
Foundation: Start Word Power Made Easy (1 chapter/day). Begin The Hindu editorial reading. Cover NCERT Maths Class 9–10 (if needed). Read CLAT 2025 & 2026 official papers to understand the pattern.
Mar 2026
Month 3–4
Legal Reasoning Launch: Begin AP Bhardwaj Legal Aptitude. Complete chapters on Torts, Contracts, Constitutional Law (core sections). Start Constitution Bare Act | read Articles 12–35, 52–122.
May 2026
Month 5–6
Logical Reasoning + Quant: Begin MK Pandey Analytical Reasoning | complete Assumptions, Arguments, Inferences chapters. Start RS Aggarwal Quant | complete 8 selected chapters. Continue The Hindu daily. First 10 short mock tests.
Jul 2026
Month 7–8
GK Deep Dive: Buy Manorama Yearbook 2027 (July–August edition). Cover India-related chapters thoroughly. Consolidate daily current affairs notes. Revise AP Bhardwaj Legal Aptitude for the second time. Begin Universal's Guide for integrated practice.
Sep 2026
Month 9–10
Mock Test Phase: 3–4 full-length mocks per week (timed, 2 hours). Disha 15 Practice Sets. Analyse every mock | identify error patterns by section and question type. Revise weak areas using section books.
Nov 2026
Month 11–12
Final Revision: 5+ full-length mocks per week. Revise Manorama Yearbook chapters. Revise AP Bhardwaj Legal Aptitude (third pass). Intensive current affairs revision | last 6 months. No new books. Consolidate, not expand.
✅ Study Plan Tip

In the final 2 months before CLAT, stop buying new books. Every hour spent starting a new book is an hour away from revising what you already know. Your last month should be 70% mock tests and 30% revision of books already completed. New material in the final month creates confusion, not confidence.

11. Best Books for CLAT PG 2027 (LLM Preparation)

CLAT PG is the LLM entrance examination conducted by the Consortium. It is fundamentally different from CLAT UG | it tests advanced legal reasoning, constitutional law, and comprehensive legal knowledge from an LL.B. graduate's perspective. The book requirements are quite distinct:

Subject / Area Recommended Book Author Purpose
Constitutional Law Constitutional Law of India DD Basu Core constitutional law reference | landmark SC judgments
Jurisprudence Jurisprudence | Legal Theory VD Mahajan Legal philosophy, schools of jurisprudence, natural law
Contract Law Law of Contracts Avtar Singh Indian Contract Act | principles, case law, exceptions
Criminal Law The Indian Penal Code Ratanlal & Dhirajlal IPC section-by-section with case law for CLAT PG
Legal Reasoning Practice Universal CLAT PG Guide Universal Law Publishing CLAT PG-specific practice sets and previous year papers
Current Legal Affairs SCC (Supreme Court Cases) Weekly Eastern Book Company SC and HC judgments | essential for legal awareness

CLAT PG preparation requires 6–8 months of structured law-subject revision alongside comprehensive current legal affairs. Unlike CLAT UG, prior law knowledge is essential and tested extensively. Begin with your most familiar law subjects and systematically cover Constitutional, Criminal, Contract, Torts, and Public International Law.

12. Frequently Asked Questions | CLAT Books 2027

Which is the single best book for CLAT Legal Reasoning?

Legal Aptitude and Legal Reasoning by AP Bhardwaj (Pearson) is universally the #1 recommended book for CLAT Legal Reasoning. It has been validated by toppers across more than 10 years of CLAT preparation and remains the most CLAT-specific, passage-application oriented legal reasoning book available. Do it twice | cover to cover | for full benefit.

How many books do I actually need for CLAT 2027?

6–8 books are sufficient: 1 English vocabulary book (Norman Lewis), 1 GK yearbook (Manorama), 1 Legal Reasoning book (AP Bhardwaj), 1 Logical Reasoning book (MK Pandey), 1 Quant book (RS Aggarwal selected chapters), and 1 all-in-one guide (Universal's) for integrated practice. Supplement with daily newspaper reading and coaching/online mocks. Buying more books beyond this creates confusion and time-waste.

Is Word Power Made Easy enough for CLAT English vocabulary?

Yes | Word Power Made Easy builds your vocabulary systematically through roots and prefixes, which is exactly what you need for passage-based CLAT English. Complete it alongside 12 months of The Hindu reading, and your English vocabulary and comprehension will be more than adequate for CLAT. Do not buy additional vocabulary workbooks | duplication without benefit.

Can I prepare for CLAT 2027 without coaching using just books?

Yes | self-study with the right books and disciplined mock test practice can absolutely produce top CLAT ranks. Several CLAT toppers (including AIR 1 holders) have prepared entirely through self-study. The key ingredients are: the right 6–8 books, 12 months of daily newspaper reading, 50+ full-length mock tests with rigorous analysis, and daily 5–6 hour study sessions. Coaching adds structure and doubt-clearing but is not a requirement for success.

Which newspaper is best for CLAT 2027 preparation?

The Hindu is the most recommended newspaper for CLAT preparation | its editorial style closely mirrors CLAT English passages, its national coverage feeds GK and Legal Reasoning sections, and its consistent quality is unmatched. The Indian Express is an excellent secondary newspaper for diverse perspectives. Read The Hindu's Editorial, Opinion, and National pages daily (45–60 minutes). Create 5–6 line notes on major events for GK revision purposes.

Are previous year CLAT papers important alongside books?

Critically important. Previous year CLAT papers (2020–2026) are arguably more valuable than any book for final preparation. They show you the exact difficulty level, passage types, question styles, and trap patterns. Solve CLAT 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 papers under timed conditions and analyse every error. Previous papers are available free on consortiumofnlus.ac.in and on LawGuru India's sample papers section.

Is Manorama Yearbook or Arihant GK better for CLAT?

Both are excellent | choose one, not both. Manorama Yearbook is preferred by most CLAT toppers for its comprehensive coverage and editorial depth. Arihant's GK book is preferred by some for its more structured chapter-based layout. If you are a strong reader comfortable with dense content, Manorama is superior. If you prefer systematic, chapter-by-chapter revision, Arihant may suit you better. The key is to use one thoroughly rather than both superficially.