appears like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something seems to be similar to or resembles something else. Example: "The sky appears like it might rain soon, with all those dark clouds gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The gallery appears like a glowing grid.

Independent

But it appears like they can".

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know what it appears like.

The New York Times

And it appears like a bright band on the sky.

Cornell University

He appears like magic a few moments later.

Independent

At first blush this appears like it should be helpful.

Harvard Business Review

Outside, Ginger and Spice appears like any typical commercial storefront.

The New York Times

FROM Alma, Lower Manhattan appears like a stage backdrop.

The New York Times - Food

He does not, it appears, like to be challenged.

The Guardian

"At this point, it appears like he's O.K".

The New York Times - Sports

Nikiya appears, like Banquo's ghost, at the royal wedding.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears like" when you want to convey a sense of superficial similarity or initial impression. It's suitable for describing how something seems at first glance before deeper analysis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "appears like" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives such as "seems like" or "resembles" in academic or professional writing. Consider the tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears like" functions as a linking expression or copular verb construction, connecting a subject to a description of how it seems or looks. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears like" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys an impression or superficial similarity. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While acceptable in most situations, consider using more formal alternatives such as "seems like" or "resembles" in academic or professional settings. Keep in mind that "appears like" is useful for expressing initial observations before deeper analysis. This phrase offers a versatile way to describe how things seem at first glance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems like

Indicates a subjective impression or assessment, similar to "appears like" but potentially less formal.

looks like

Focuses on visual similarity or resemblance, implying a surface-level comparison.

resembles

Highlights the similarity in appearance or nature, often used in more formal contexts.

gives the impression of

Emphasizes the subjective feeling or perception created, implying a specific effect on the observer.

has the appearance of

Stresses the external presentation or facade, suggesting a focus on outward features.

presents as

Suggests a formal presentation or display, often used to describe how something is perceived in a deliberate manner.

creates the impression of

Highlights the act of forming a particular perception, focusing on the cause-and-effect relationship between the subject and the observer.

bears a resemblance to

Emphasizes a notable similarity or likeness, often used when comparing two distinct entities.

is suggestive of

Implies a subtle indication or hint, often used when drawing indirect parallels or inferences.

indicates

Highlights an evidence of something that might not be obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "appears like" to describe a first impression or resemblance. For example, "The sky "appears like" it might rain" or "The solution "appears like" a good one at first glance."

What are some alternatives to "appears like"?

Alternatives include "seems like", "looks like", "resembles", or "gives the impression of". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "appears like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "appears like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. However, some style guides might suggest using "seems like" or "looks like" in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "appears like" and "seems like"?

While both convey a sense of impression, ""appears like"" often refers to a visual or superficial resemblance, whereas ""seems like"" can refer to a broader, more subjective impression.