appear to touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something seems to make contact or have an effect, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The artist's brush strokes appear to touch the canvas with a delicate grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Bastos did not appear to touch him.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor do such worries appear to touch the Arabic-language satellite-news channels: al-Jazeera, for instance, is backed by the Emir of Qatar.

The Economist

The investigation does not appear to touch the upper echelons of the executive suite, notably Ina Drew who oversaw the chief investment office.

The New York Times

Rose did appear to touch the ball first but nobody in sky blue cared, as Yaya Touré scored from the spot and Dzeko put the points to bed shortly afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

As his annoyance grows at being pushed on the issue, the pitch of his voice raises, and his eyebrows appear to touch the rim of his trilby hat as he asks: "What does it matter so much?

The Guardian - Arts

Obama said he would have 'more flexibility' in missile defense negotiations after the 2012 elections, but the comments did not appear to touch on classified secrets the president might consider sharing with Russia.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The column appeared to touch a nerve.

The New York Times

(No one appeared to touch them).

The New York Times - Sports

The other woman then appears to touch him.

Independent

Bayern cruised through without ever appearing to touch the accelerator.

The New York Times - Sports

At one point in the heated protests, the Uruguayan even appeared to touch the official.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear to touch" to convey a sense of near contact or a connection that might not be literal. This adds subtlety to your descriptions, suggesting a potential rather than a definite interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to touch" when you mean direct contact. This phrase is best suited for situations where the connection is uncertain or perceived, not definitively established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to touch" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes a visual impression or a perceived proximity, indicating that something gives the impression of making contact, as Ludwig's examples showcase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appear to touch" is a versatile verb phrase that indicates a visual or perceived proximity, rather than a definitive physical contact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and science. Its purpose is to convey a sense of nearness or potential connection, as found in different examples. While not overly frequent, it's valuable for adding subtlety to your descriptions and avoiding definitive statements when the contact is uncertain. Remember to use it when you want to suggest a resemblance of contact without confirming it. "Appear to touch" functions best when describing a perceived state or visual approximation, as highlighted by numerous examples across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to make contact with

Directly states the semblance of interaction or connection.

seem to graze

Emphasizes a light or glancing contact, suggesting minimal impact.

look like they touch

Focuses on visual perception and the apparent closeness of two entities.

look as if they touch

Similar to 'look like', but adds a sense of hypothetical or conditional contact.

give the impression of touching

Highlights the subjective feeling or perception of contact.

seem to brush against

Implies a gentle or fleeting interaction, often with minimal force.

seem on the verge of touching

Suggests an imminent connection or interaction that is about to occur.

appear to verge on

Indicates a state of almost reaching a certain condition or state.

appear to be in close proximity

Focuses on the nearness of objects without necessarily implying contact.

give the semblance of contact

Highlights the superficial or deceptive appearance of interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "appear to touch" to describe a situation where things seem to make contact, but the contact is not confirmed or definite. For example: "From my perspective, the branches "appear to touch" each other, but they don't actually."

What can I say instead of "appear to touch"?

You can use alternatives like "seem to graze", "look like they touch", or "appear to make contact with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "appear to touch" or "appears to touch"?

"Appear to touch" is used when referring to a plural subject, while "appears to touch" is used with a singular subject. For example: "The clouds "appear to touch" the mountains." vs. "The cloud "appears to touch" the mountain."

What's the difference between "appear to touch" and "seem to touch"?

"Appear to touch" suggests a visual impression of contact, while "seem to touch" can imply a broader sense of something giving the impression of contact or interaction, not just visually. Both are fairly interchangeable.