appear to have

USAGE SUMMARY

"appear to have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "appear to have" in a sentence when you want to express a possibility—for example, "The facts appear to have been misrepresented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They appear to have failed.

The New York Times - Science

Matters appear to have calmed.

The New York Times

Indeed, the Democrats appear to have one.

The New York Times

Lessons appear to have been learned.

Independent

Motives appear to have been mixed.

Independent

They appear to have lower I.Q.'s.

The New York Times

That time would appear to have arrived.

The New York Times - Sports

His editors appear to have been lazy.

The Economist

Most appear to have some strategic logic.

The Economist

The authorities appear to have acquiesced.

The Economist

But some appear to have slipped through.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appear to have", consider whether the context requires a more definitive statement. If strong evidence exists, a more direct assertion might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to have" excessively in your writing, as it can make your statements sound weak or hesitant. Vary your sentence structure and use stronger verbs when the situation warrants a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to have" functions as an evidential marker, indicating that a statement is based on observation or inference rather than direct knowledge. As Ludwig indicates, it introduces a degree of uncertainty or qualification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appear to have" is a versatile phrase used to express a qualified assessment or tentative conclusion based on observation or inference. It is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig. While common across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. The phrase allows speakers and writers to convey information without committing to absolute certainty. Alternatives such as "seem to have" or "suggest to have" can be used to provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear as though they have

This alternative is more emphatic, suggesting a stronger sense of something being true or real.

give the impression of having

Highlights the subjective perception or feeling conveyed.

look as if they have

Emphasizes a visual comparison, suggesting a resemblance in condition or experience.

are seen to have

Emphasizes the external observation or public perception.

seem to possess

Focuses on the impression of ownership or a characteristic, shifting from a general appearance to a more specific attribute.

come across as having

Focuses on the perceived persona or demeanor.

indicate to have

Emphasizes evidence or signs pointing to possession or experience.

are understood to have

Focuses on a common interpretation or agreed-upon understanding.

suggest to have

Implies a hint or indirect indication, rather than a direct appearance.

present themselves as having

Highlights the active portrayal of possessing something.

FAQs

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

Use "appear to have" to express a qualified assessment based on observation or available information. For example, "The negotiations "appear to have stalled" due to unresolved issues".

What are some alternatives to "appear to have"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "seem to have", "suggest to have", or "give the impression of having". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in expressing possibility or indication.

Is it better to say "appear to have" or "seem to have"?

Both "appear to have" and "seem to have" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey. "Seem to have" might be perceived as slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "appear to have" and "prove to have"?

"Appear to have" indicates a likelihood based on current evidence, while "prove to have" suggests that something has been definitively established or confirmed. The latter carries a stronger sense of certainty.