appear to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something seems to suggest or point to a particular conclusion or interpretation. Example: "The data collected from the survey appear to indicate a growing trend in consumer preferences towards sustainable products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, the data Wednesday appear to indicate that the global slump has months to run.

The New York Times

Ubiquitous political advertisements for the 29 parties running appear to indicate that change is coming.

The Guardian

The failure to mention Isis would appear to indicate the two groups had not collaborated on this most recent operation.

The Guardian

But a recent decrease in shootings would appear to indicate that that is not the case in this instance.

The New York Times

Mr. Caprariello said the searches were a surprise and that the warrant did not appear to indicate what agents were interested in.

The New York Times

Recent kidnapping trends appear to indicate that hostage-takers prefer not to take US or UK hostages because they understand they will not receive ransoms".

The Guardian

Early tests of 3percentt of the genome of the coronavirus appear to indicate that it is identical to the SARS virus.

The New York Times

But they appear to indicate how important it seemed, even for seasoned executives, to hop on to the Internet bandwagon and its promise of limitless growth.

The New York Times

In his words, "it is a matter for the board" – which would appear to indicate he has no plans to give up any bonus voluntarily.

The Guardian - Business

Inconclusive tests appear to indicate that the roman face is easier to read with serifs than without them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless his efforts to keep fit appear to indicate that he sees creativity as a muscle as much as a gift.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "appear to indicate". It's appropriate for formal writing and academic discussions where precise language is valued.

Common error

In casual conversation or less formal writing, using "appear to indicate" can sound overly verbose or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggests" or "implies" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to indicate" functions as a verb phrase used to express a tentative or qualified suggestion. It is used to convey that something seems to point towards a particular conclusion, without asserting it as an absolute fact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appear to indicate" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that functions to express a tentative inference or suggestion. Ludwig AI highlights that it is often used to convey that something seems to point towards a particular conclusion, without making a definitive claim. The phrase is most commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, signifying a neutral to formal register. While highly versatile, it's best to consider simpler alternatives like "suggests" or "implies" in more informal settings. Avoiding overuse and appreciating contextual appropriateness are essential for its most effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to suggest

Replaces "appear" with "seem", offering a slightly less formal tone.

suggest

More concise, removing "appear to" for directness.

imply

Focuses on the indirect communication of information.

give the impression of

Emphasizes the perceived effect or feeling conveyed.

lead one to believe

Highlights the influence on someone's perception.

hint at

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

point to

Directs attention towards a particular piece of evidence.

intimate

Similar to "imply", but can also suggest a more personal or private revelation.

would seem to show

Adds a degree of tentativeness or uncertainty.

portend

Suggests a future event based on current signs.

FAQs

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

Use "appear to indicate" to express that something seems to point towards a particular conclusion based on available evidence. For example, "The survey results "appear to indicate" a growing interest in online education".

What phrases are similar to "appear to indicate"?

Alternatives to "appear to indicate" include "seem to suggest", "imply", or "hint at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "appear to indicate" or "indicates"?

"Appear to indicate" suggests a degree of uncertainty or interpretation, while "indicates" presents something as a more definite fact. Use "appear to indicate" when you want to acknowledge that there might be other possible interpretations or when you are not completely certain of the conclusion.

What's the difference between "appear to indicate" and "suggests"?

"Suggests" is more direct and assertive than "appear to indicate". "Appear to indicate" introduces a subtle layer of hedging, implying that the conclusion is based on an interpretation of the available information rather than a definitive statement.