appears insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears insufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when assessing or evaluating something that does not meet the required standards or expectations. Example: "The evidence provided in the report appears insufficient to support the claims made by the author."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Evidence of the ability of corals to adapt to rising temperatures and acidification is limited and appears insufficient to offset the detrimental effects of warming and acidification".

The Guardian

Although there are vast numbers of neutrinos in the universe, the sum of such small neutrino masses appears insufficient to close the universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A proposal from India's government to set up a large insurance pool, to spread the risk of any future liability, also appears insufficient if it does not protect individual suppliers from unlimited civil legal action by future victims.

The Economist

However, the awareness of this fact appears insufficient.

Journal of Immunological Methods

Alone, it appears insufficient to explain migraine episodes.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Preconception counseling received by many WWE appears insufficient, risking uninformed decision-making about pregnancy.

Epilepsy & Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A couple — a Colin Farrell signed headshot; a session with fashion-consultant-to-the-stars Philip Bloch and a thousand-dollar shopping spree at Bloomingdale's — appear (insufficient enthusiasm?) to have become extinct.

The New Yorker

Our assessed disinfection protocol appeared insufficient.

Annals of Intensive Care

Alone, the MG1 vaccine appeared insufficient to prime detectable adaptive immunity against the tumor antigen.

Molecular Therapy

But his words appear insufficient to quell scientists' anxieties for the long term.

Science Magazine

Computations on ICOI showed that matings that succeeded are more confident than matings that failed, because pollen efficiency appeared insufficient.

Scientia Horticulturae

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appears insufficient", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being evaluated and why it falls short. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support the assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "appears insufficient" when a stronger, more definitive statement is warranted. If the insufficiency is clearly established, consider using phrases like "is definitively insufficient" or "is demonstrably inadequate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears insufficient" functions as an evaluative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, expressing a judgment that something is lacking or inadequate based on available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears insufficient" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to express that something does not meet the required standards or expectations based on the available evidence. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting its suitability for formal and analytical writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide application, with examples demonstrating its use across diverse fields. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject of evaluation and the reasons for its inadequacy are clearly stated. While alternatives like "seems inadequate" or "proves deficient" exist, "appears insufficient" maintains a balance of formality and objectivity suitable for various analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems inadequate

Focuses on a general lack of adequacy, similar to the original phrase.

proves inadequate

Highlights that something has been shown to be inadequate through evidence or experience.

proves deficient

Similar to 'proves inadequate' but with a slightly stronger emphasis on a lack of essential qualities.

is seemingly lacking

Emphasizes that something seems to be missing or absent.

is apparently wanting

Indicates that something is clearly lacking or needed.

does not suffice

A more formal way of saying that something is not enough or adequate.

is found wanting

Emphasizes that something has been judged and found to be inadequate.

falls short

Suggests that something has failed to reach a required standard or expectation.

is not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the expected level or standard.

is below expectations

Highlights the fact that reality is inferior to expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "appears insufficient" to express that something does not meet the required standards or expectations, such as, "The data appears insufficient to support the claim."

What are some alternatives to "appears insufficient"?

Alternatives include "seems inadequate", "proves deficient", or "falls short", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "seems insufficient" or "appears insufficient"?

Both "seems insufficient" and "appears insufficient" are acceptable. "Appears" suggests a judgment based on available evidence, while "seems" implies a more subjective impression. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "appears insufficient" and "is insufficient"?

"Appears insufficient" indicates a tentative judgment based on current evidence, whereas "is insufficient" is a more definitive statement of inadequacy. The former acknowledges the possibility of further evidence changing the assessment.