appear not to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear not to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or observation that something seems to lack a certain quality or characteristic. Example: "The results of the experiment appear not to be conclusive, requiring further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The boys appear not to be happy.

The Guardian - Books

They appear not to be struggling with dehydration.

The New York Times

Reporters unveiling new accusations against Trump appear not to be taking the same risks.

The Guardian

We don't have details for all cases, but the majority do appear not to be working.

The Guardian

The medical authorities appear not to be touched by these horror stories.

The Guardian

"They are more dangerous when they appear not to be," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Consumer boycotts in America, however, appear not to be hurting the shrimp industry much.

The Economist

But his opponents in the Republican field appear not to be following suit.

The New York Times

Tsipras's measures "appear not to be in line with our agreements" and thus debt relief will be suspended.

The Guardian - Business

Information can be classified in one context and not be (or appear not to be) in another.

The New York Times

The collapse led to widespread calls for better inspection and maintenance, which now appear not to be relevant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear not to be" when you want to express a perception or observation that something lacks a specific quality or characteristic, but avoid overuse. Vary your sentence structure for clarity and style.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on constructions like "appear not to be" as it can lead to overly passive and wordy sentences. Actively rephrase the sentence to make it more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear not to be" functions as a hedge, softening a statement or expressing uncertainty. It suggests that something is not perceived to be a certain way, based on available information or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, providing examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appear not to be" is a versatile linguistic tool used to express cautious or tentative observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, you can enhance your writing by choosing contextually appropriate alternatives such as "seem not to be" or "does not appear to be". Avoid overusing it to maintain a balanced and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem not to be

Replaces "appear" with "seem", offering a more direct synonym while maintaining the same structure.

do not seem to be

Emphasizes the lack of appearance through the auxiliary verb "do", adding slight stress.

does not appear to be

Singular form to match a singular subject. Provides grammatical agreement when the subject is singular.

are not apparently

Rearranges the sentence structure, using "apparently" as an adverb. Introduces a more formal tone.

are seemingly not

Employs "seemingly" as an adverb to convey a similar meaning. Slight difference in flow.

evidently are not

Uses "evidently" to emphasize the observation. This alternative stresses obviousness.

visibly do not

Implies a visible lack of some attribute. Offers a more sensory observation.

ostensibly fail to

Introduces a more formal and potentially critical tone. Shifts the focus slightly towards failure.

are arguably not

Highlights that the statement is an opinion or open to debate. Adds a layer of subjectivity.

may not actually be

Suggests that something might be different from its initial appearance. Implies potential deception.

FAQs

How can I use "appear not to be" in a sentence?

You can use "appear not to be" to express a perception that something lacks a certain quality, for example: "The results "appear not to be" conclusive" or "The students "appear not to be" engaged in the lecture".

What are some alternatives to "appear not to be"?

Alternatives include "seem not to be", "do not seem to be", or "are not apparently". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "appears not to be"?

Yes, "appears not to be" is the correct singular form of the phrase. For example, "The evidence "appears not to be" sufficient."

What is the difference between "appear not to be" and "does not appear to be"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "does not appear to be" adds a slight emphasis or directness. "The data "appear not to be" consistent" is more general, whereas "The data "does not appear to be" consistent" asserts the lack of consistency more firmly.