appears not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or a lack of evidence regarding a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The data appears not to support the hypothesis we initially proposed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That loyalty appears not to count.

Independent

She appears not to agree with it.

The Economist

And Aviva appears not to be overpaying.

The Economist

But IKB appears not to have known.

The New Yorker

Shakira appears not to perspire.

The New York Times - Magazine

He appears not to care.

The Guardian

Peke appears not to hear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She appears not to notice.

The Guardian - Books

He appears not to want to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

Alas, it appears not to be.

The New York Times

(Trump appears not to have said it).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears not to" to express an observation or conclusion based on available evidence without stating it as a definite fact. This is especially useful when analyzing data or reporting on uncertain situations.

Common error

While "appears not to" is acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal or academic contexts. Opt for stronger, more direct language (e.g., "does not demonstrate", "contradicts") if the evidence clearly supports a definitive conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears not to" functions as a hedge, softening a statement or conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it expresses uncertainty or a lack of definitive evidence. Examples show its use in contexts where a definite assertion is not possible or desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

34%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears not to" is a commonly used phrase for expressing uncertainty or a tentative conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, lending itself to a variety of contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While it's a useful tool for softening claims, remember to avoid overusing it in highly formal settings where more direct language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "seems not to" or "does not seem to" for stylistic variation. The high number of examples available demonstrates its widespread acceptance and utility in conveying nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems not to

Uses a different verb ("seems" instead of "appears") to convey a similar meaning of uncertainty.

does not seem to

Rephrases the sentiment using "does not seem" for a slightly different emphasis.

it would seem not to

Adds an introductory phrase to soften the statement and add a degree of formality.

apparently not

Replaces "appears" with "apparently", conveying a similar sense of surface-level observation.

evidently not

Shortens the phrase to an adverbial expression, implying that something is clearly not the case.

ostensibly not

Suggests that something is not true on the surface but might be underneath.

gives no indication of

Indicates a lack of observable signs, shifting the focus from appearance to evidence.

is not showing signs of

Focuses on the lack of observable progress or development.

there's no sign of

Emphasizes the absence of any indication or evidence.

fails to

Indicates a lack of success or ability to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "appears not to" in a sentence?

Use "appears not to" to express a tentative conclusion based on observation or available information. For example, "The experiment "appears not to" support the initial hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "appears not to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "seems not to", "does not seem to", or "apparently not". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "appears not to" and "doesn't appear to"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "appears not to" can sound slightly more formal than "doesn't appear to". The choice often comes down to stylistic preference and the overall tone of your writing.

Can I use "appears not to" when I'm certain about something?

No, "appears not to" is best used when you want to express uncertainty or a conclusion based on observation rather than absolute certainty. If you are certain, use stronger language like "is not" or "does not".