appear to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing evidence or arguments that seem to back up a particular claim or position. Example: "The data collected from the survey appear to support the hypothesis that increased exercise leads to better mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Figures would appear to support that sentiment.

The Guardian

The data appear to support his conclusion.

The New York Times

Statistics appear to support the complaints.

The New York Times - Tech

The results appear to support the finite element results.

International Journal of Fatigue

But context-blind computers appear to support his conclusions.

The New Yorker

Your browser does not appear to support WebGL.

The Washington Post

And why should it be that the majority of the British public appear to support workfare?

The Guardian - Opinion

Recent economic data appear to support his argument, at least for the short term.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the data appear to support Mr. Kabessa's observation, at least partly.

The New York Times

In the 2007 report, the IEA does appear to support the government's view.

The Guardian - Business

It goes on to quote company leaders who appear to support that assertion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear to support" when you want to convey that the evidence isn't conclusive, but leans in a certain direction. This wording acknowledges the possibility of alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to support" when the evidence is definitive. Instead, use stronger verbs like "prove", "confirm", or "demonstrate" to reflect the certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to support" functions as a verb phrase indicating a tentative endorsement or confirmation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often qualifies claims or hypotheses, suggesting that the available evidence leans toward a certain conclusion without being definitive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appear to support" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that available evidence leans towards a particular conclusion, though without offering definitive proof. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media" and scientific writing, suggesting a cautious endorsement of claims. When using this phrase, remember that it's best suited for scenarios where evidence is suggestive but not conclusive. For stronger assertions, consider using verbs like "prove" or "confirm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to endorse

Implies a weaker level of overt approval or backing.

suggest

Indicates a hint or implication, often requiring interpretation.

indicate

Points towards something as a likely outcome or truth.

lend credence to

Adds weight or believability to a claim or idea.

give the impression of backing

Focuses on the perceived support rather than actual support.

point toward

Highlights directionality and alignment with certain outcome.

align with

Shows agreement or correspondence with specific data.

bear out

Confirms or validates a previous statement or prediction.

corroborate

Strengthens a claim with additional evidence.

substantiate

Establishes proof with solid evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "appear to support" to suggest that evidence leans toward a particular conclusion without being definitive. For example, "The survey results "seem to suggest" a growing interest in renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "appear to support"?

Alternatives include "seem to indicate", "suggest", or "lend credence to", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "appears to support" or "appear to support"?

The choice depends on the subject. Use "appears to support" for a singular subject (e.g., "The data appears to support the claim"). Use "appear to support" for a plural subject (e.g., "The findings appear to support the hypothesis").

When should I avoid using "appear to support"?

Avoid using "appear to support" when the evidence is conclusive or irrefutable. In such cases, stronger verbs like "proves", "confirms", or "demonstrates" are more appropriate.