appeared to be growing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appeared to be growing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or condition that seems to be increasing or expanding over time. Example: "The interest in renewable energy sources appeared to be growing among the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The economy appeared to be growing powerfully.

The Economist

There appeared to be growing trust between the two groups.

The New Yorker

But on Thursday, Democratic opposition to the measure appeared to be growing.

The New York Times

But he said that sympathy for Mr. Snowden appeared to be growing.

The New York Times

The plains had been churned up, though nothing appeared to be growing.

The New York Times - Travel

The MPC said signals were mixed but the economy appeared to be growing again, albeit weakly.

The Guardian - Business

Benn said enthusiasm for tax resistance appeared to be growing in the Trump era, though cautiously.

The Guardian

Photograph by Aaron Vincent Elkaim for The New Yorker There appeared to be growing trust between the two groups.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet vocal opposition appears to be growing.

Independent

Ghana appears to be growing even faster.

The Economist

O'Neill appears to be growing weary.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, follow "appeared to be growing" with a specific measurement or metric. For instance, instead of just stating 'Interest appeared to be growing,' quantify it: 'Interest appeared to be growing, with website traffic increasing by 20% month-over-month.'

Common error

Avoid using "appeared to be growing" when there's conclusive evidence of growth. This phrase implies uncertainty, so it's inappropriate for situations where growth is definitively proven with hard data or facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeared to be growing" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It suggests an observation or impression of increasing development, without asserting definitive proof. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appeared to be growing" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express an observation of increasing development or expansion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While it suggests a perception of growth, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and to ensure the context provides supporting evidence. Consider alternatives like "seemed to be expanding" or "gave the impression of growth" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemed to be expanding

Changes the verb to 'expanding', focusing on the growth in size or scope.

looked to be increasing

Uses 'looked' instead of 'appeared', adding a slightly more visual or observational nuance.

gave the impression of growth

Replaces the original phrase with an expression that emphasizes the perceived impression rather than a direct observation.

showed signs of expansion

Indicates that there were indications suggesting an increase or broadening in some aspect.

evidenced a growing trend

Highlights the existence of a discernible trend that is increasing.

presented as increasing

Implies that the increase is how something is being portrayed or viewed.

was seemingly on the rise

Emphasizes the upward trajectory or escalation of something.

seemed to be developing

Focuses on the developmental aspect, indicating progress or advancement.

was understood to be escalating

Highlights the perception that something is intensifying or increasing dramatically.

was recognized as amplifying

Suggests that something was becoming more pronounced or significant.

FAQs

How can I use "appeared to be growing" in a sentence?

Use "appeared to be growing" to describe situations where there is an indication of growth or increase, but the evidence isn't fully conclusive. For example, "Support for the proposal "appeared to be growing" after the public forum".

What are some alternatives to "appeared to be growing"?

Alternatives include "seemed to be increasing", "looked to be expanding", or "gave the impression of growth". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "appeared to be growing" or "was growing"?

"Appeared to be growing" implies a degree of uncertainty or observation, while "was growing" suggests a more definite and confirmed state of growth. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of certainty in your statement.

What's the difference between "appeared to be growing" and "seemed to be growing"?

The phrases "appeared to be growing" and "seemed to be growing" are often interchangeable and have subtle differences. Both indicate a perception of growth. "Appeared" might suggest a visual assessment, while "seemed" might imply a more general impression. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.