appears damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or item that seems to have been harmed or is not in its original condition. Example: "The package arrived at my doorstep, but it appears damaged, with several dents and tears in the cardboard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Stefan eventually tracks down his (I'm presuming) long-lost sister, who appears damaged by something from their childhood, only for her to collapse in his arms.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If the global recession has shown anything, it's that its effects have been profound in Germany, the E.U.'s economic pulse, where the national creed and formula for success (world-leading exports and special relationships among the state, banks and industry) appears damaged or even lamed.

The New York Times

This one lacks a lower jaw and, as illustrated (it is not available for independent examination), it appears damaged above the eyes; but apart from a possible lack of division in the brow, it seems to resemble modern humans pretty closely in other observable respects.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

If the cord of a vaporizer appears damaged or frayed, do not use the machine.

WikiHow

If a hose (or belt) appears damaged, worn, or cracked, replace it.

WikiHow

Do not buy the tea if the packaging appears damaged in any way.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

None of those appeared damaged.

The New York Times

Neither recorder appeared damaged, Bahrain's civil defense chief said.

The New York Times

Neither of the so-called "black boxes," found near where the plane had slammed into shallow water, appeared damaged, according to Bahrain's civil defense chief, James Windsor.

The New York Times

But to replace the tall, slender World Trade Center with buildings very reminiscent of the originals, yet appearing damaged by some unseen hand, serves only to remind future generations of the day those two buildings were in such distress.

The New York Times - Magazine

The black boxes have been retrieved but appear damaged on the outside, so the experts will need to proceed carefully to open them and retrieve the data.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that "appears damaged", be specific about the type and extent of the damage to provide a clearer picture for the reader. For instance, instead of simply stating "the box appears damaged", specify "the box appears damaged with a large tear on one side".

Common error

Avoid using "appears damaged" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or details about what specifically indicates damage, otherwise, the statement remains vague and uninformative. Instead of saying "the item appears damaged", clarify with "the item appears damaged; the screen is cracked and unresponsive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears damaged" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where "appears" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "damaged". It indicates a perceived state rather than a confirmed condition. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears damaged" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a state of perceived harm or impairment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general descriptions, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. While "appears damaged" is a functional phrase, remember to add details and context to clarify what indicates damage and that this is just an observation not a confirmation of the state. By doing so, you communicate more effectively and clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looks broken

Focuses on the visible state of being broken rather than just seeming damaged.

seems defective

Indicates a flaw in its functionality, rather than physical damage.

is seemingly impaired

Highlights the apparent reduction in quality or condition.

presents impairment

Emphasizes a reduction in proper function or condition, sounding more formal.

appears to be compromised

Focuses on the possibility that its integrity or function has been negatively affected.

shows wear and tear

Highlights the gradual damage from use over time.

looks to be malfunctioning

Suggests that it is not working correctly, implying a functional issue.

exhibits deterioration

Indicates a process of decline or decay in condition, which can be gradual.

gives the impression of disrepair

Highlights that it provides a general sense of not being well maintained or in good order.

manifests harm

Focuses on the outward display of damage, suggesting an external cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "appears damaged" to describe something that looks like it has been harmed or is not in perfect condition. For example, "The packaging "appears damaged", with several dents and tears."

What are some alternatives to "appears damaged"?

Alternatives include "looks broken", "seems defective", or "shows wear and tear", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

"Appears damaged" suggests an observation based on visible signs, whereas "is damaged" implies certainty about the actual state. Use "appears damaged" when you suspect damage but haven't confirmed it.

What's the difference between "appears damaged" and "is seemingly impaired"?

"Appears damaged" focuses on physical harm, while "is seemingly impaired" can refer to a functional or performance issue. For example, a car "appears damaged" with dents, while its engine "is seemingly impaired" if it makes strange noises.