appears clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something seems to be understandable or unambiguous at first glance. Example: "The instructions for the project appear clear, but I still have a few questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it appears clear.

The New York Times

It now appears clear that it was a mafia.

The New York Times

Moreover, it appears clear that anger is better managed by individuals with greater character strength.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

It appears clear that Senator Clinton cannot be nominated unless the superdelegates override the primary voters.

The New York Times

But it now appears clear that such a statement was far too mild.

The Guardian - Opinion

That behavior is influenced by some combination of genes and culture appears clear.

The New York Times - Science

The population size reduction appears clear in the BSPs based on the Finn-characteristic haplotypes.

Nature

But it now appears clear that the financial crisis never really ended.

The New York Times

Now it appears clear that those workers will not be found alive.

The New York Times

What appears clear, however, is that the current approach is counter-productive.

Independent

On reading Darwin's description of his experiment, it appears clear that the experiment did not use true paired comparisons.

Mathematical Biosciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears clear" when you want to convey that something seems evident based on available information, but without asserting absolute certainty. It's useful when presenting an initial assessment or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "appears clear" when you possess definitive proof. In such cases, opt for stronger, more assertive language that reflects the certainty of your knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears clear" functions as an epistemic marker, indicating the speaker's assessment of the certainty or likelihood of a statement. It suggests a conclusion based on available evidence, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears clear" functions as an epistemic marker, signaling that something seems evident based on available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse sources. Its primary function is to convey an assessment of a situation with a degree of certainty. While highly versatile, it's best practice to avoid using "appears clear" when definitive proof exists. The phrase's neutral register, supported by its prevalence in news sources, suggests widespread applicability. Alternatives such as "seems obvious" or "is evident" can be used to introduce nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems obvious

Emphasizes that something is easily perceived or understood; suggests less need for explanation.

is evident

Highlights that something is easily seen or noticed; more formal than "appears clear".

is plain to see

Stresses that something is very obvious and requires little interpretation.

is readily apparent

Indicates that something is quickly and easily noticed; more formal.

is manifest

Implies something is unmistakably revealed or displayed; more literary.

can be easily seen

Focuses on the ease with which something can be observed or understood.

is beyond doubt

Highlights that something is certain and not open to question; stronger emphasis on certainty.

is patently obvious

Emphasizes the undeniable and blatant nature of something; stronger and potentially more forceful.

is self-evident

Suggests that something is obvious without needing proof or explanation; often used in philosophical or logical contexts.

is clear-cut

Implies that something is straightforward and unambiguous with no room for misinterpretation.

FAQs

How can I use "appears clear" in a sentence?

You can use "appears clear" to suggest something is evident based on available information. For example, "It "appears clear" that the project is on track."

What are some alternatives to "appears clear"?

Alternatives include "seems obvious", "is evident", or "is plain to see", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it appears clear" or "it is clear"?

"It "appears clear"" suggests something is likely true based on current information, while "it is clear" asserts a definitive truth. Choose the option that aligns with your level of certainty.

When should I avoid using the phrase "appears clear"?

Avoid using ""appears clear"" when you want to express absolute certainty. Opt for stronger language like "it is certain" or "it is undeniable" in such scenarios.