appear to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to be" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to express that something appears to be true even though it is unclear if it actually is. For example: The political candidate appeared to be popular among voters, even though it was still too early to know the actual results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They appear to be healthy.

The New York Times

It'd appear to be locked".

The New Yorker

Humans appear to be responsible.

The New Yorker

"There appear to be none".

Forbes

They appear to be making headway.

The Economist

They also appear to be doing well.

The Economist

The efforts appear to be paying off.

The New York Times - Arts

He did not appear to be joking.

The New York Times - Sports

He didn't appear to be joking.

The New Yorker

These appear to be going nowhere.

The New York Times

But those, too, appear to be weakening.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear to be" to convey uncertainty or a lack of definitive proof. It's useful when you're presenting an observation or making an inference based on available information.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to be" excessively without providing supporting evidence or context. Balance it with more definitive statements when the evidence warrants it to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to be" functions as a linking verb combined with an infinitive, serving to connect a subject with a descriptive adjective or state of being. It indicates a perceived quality or condition without asserting it as a definite fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appear to be" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative observation or impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it’s best used when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty or lack of definitive proof. Remember to balance it with supporting evidence to avoid weakening your argument. Consider using alternatives like "seem to be" or "look like" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to be

Indicates a similar impression or observation but might imply a slightly stronger sense of evidence.

look like

Suggests a visual resemblance or outward similarity.

give the impression of being

More formal and emphasizes the subjective feeling or perception.

strike one as

Implies a more immediate and personal impression.

come across as

Focuses on the perceived character or nature of someone or something.

have the appearance of

More formal and stresses the external presentation.

purport to be

Suggests a claim or pretense, potentially with an element of doubt.

ostensibly be

Emphasizes that something is presented a certain way, possibly concealing a different reality.

profess to be

Highlights a declared or claimed identity or characteristic, possibly insincerely.

be said to be

Indicates a common belief or report, without necessarily implying personal agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "appear to be" in a sentence?

Use "appear to be" to express an observation or inference. For example, "The data "seem to be" indicating a downward trend".

What are some alternatives to "appear to be"?

Alternatives include "seem to be", "look like", or "give the impression of being" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "appear to be" or "seem to be"?

"Appear to be" and "seem to be" are generally interchangeable. "Appear" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

When should I use "appear to be" instead of a more direct statement?

Use "appear to be" when you don't have conclusive evidence and want to express a degree of uncertainty or observation. If you have solid proof, a direct statement is preferable.