appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'appear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has come in sight, become visible, been presented, or been revealed; or to describe someone or something as having a certain characteristic or quality. Example sentence: The full moon appears in the sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This should make it appear as if the egg is half open (as shown in the picture).

The Guardian

In the daydreaming time somewhere between browsing Instagram and waiting for the models to appear, I started mentally shopping for a new skirt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

#EmergingUS will exist primarily on the web, but some of the work will eventually appear in the printed version of the paper.

The Guardian

Reports of his being rounded on by eurozone counterparts decrying his "amateurish" ways at a summit meeting on 24 April, appear only to have rallied support.

The Guardian

"He did not appear detached but self-confident and combative.

The Guardian

During the hearing, it emerged that neither HMRC, the Treasury or the UK bank regulators appear to have questioned why HSBC's Swiss subsidiary had become a magnet for thousands of rich people across Europe and whether there was any systemic problem in the bank's governance.

The Guardian

Women appear to be supporting Labour despite, not because of, its leader.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite reports of an 8% increase in GDP last year, living standards and employment do not appear to be rising, with an estimated 5-6 million Uzbeks going abroad to find work each year.

The Guardian

It would appear that the paper picked up the Mail Online story and, against normal internal rules, did not attribute it to Mail Online.

The Guardian

Quotations from his books slipped into our daily speech whenever we wanted to appear clever: "Those were days when men were men"; "When a handshake goes beyond the elbow, then it has become something else".

The Guardian - Books

"Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?" As things stand, this is the question that is to appear on the ballot papers of those eligible to vote in the in/out referendum to be held before the end of 2017.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing an opinion or perception, use "appear" followed by an adjective or "to be" + adjective. For example, "He appears tired" or "He appears to be tired."

Common error

Avoid using "appear" with subjects that are definitively known or concrete. Instead of saying "The book appears on the table," which implies uncertainty, use "The book is on the table."

Linguistic Context

The verb "appear" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of becoming visible or noticeable. It can also function as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a descriptive adjective. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "appear" is a versatile term used to describe visibility, semblance, or formal presence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is commonly found in journalistic contexts, as showcased by numerous examples from The Guardian and other reputable news sources. While grammatically straightforward, writers should be mindful of the contexts in which "appear" is best employed, avoiding its use when a more definitive statement is appropriate. For nuanced expressions, consider alternatives like "seem to be" or "give the impression" to convey subtle differences in meaning. Remember to use "appear" to describe something that becomes visible or noticeable. For example, "The sun will "appear" over the horizon."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to be

Indicates a subjective assessment or perception.

become visible

Highlights the transition from being unseen to being seen.

look like

Highlights a visual resemblance or similarity.

come into view

Focuses on the act of becoming visible, emphasizing the change in state.

give the impression

Focuses on creating a certain perception or feeling.

be present

Emphasizes the state of being in a particular place or situation.

manifest itself

Suggests a more abstract or profound emergence.

come to light

Implies a revealing or uncovering of something previously hidden.

spring up

Suggests a sudden and unexpected appearance.

cut a figure

Describes the way someone presents themselves or is perceived.

FAQs

How to use "appear" in a sentence?

You can use "appear" to describe something becoming visible (e.g., "Stars appear at night"), expressing an impression (e.g., "She appears happy"), or indicating a formal presence (e.g., "He will "appear" in court").

What can I say instead of "appear" when describing something that seems true?

You can use alternatives like "seem", "look like", or "give the impression" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "appear to be" or "appear" + adjective?

Both forms are generally correct. "Appear to be" is often used for more complex descriptions (e.g., "He appears to be struggling"), while "appear" + adjective is simpler (e.g., "He appears confident").

What's the difference between "appear" and "emerge"?

"Appear" generally refers to becoming visible or giving an impression. "Emerge" suggests coming out of something or becoming known, often implying a more gradual or significant process.