appears sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when assessing the validity or reliability of something, suggesting that it seems reasonable or logical. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, it appears sound and aligns with our objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The logic appears sound.

The New York Times

The implications are deeply unsettling but the logic appears sound.

The Guardian - Opinion

The board's preference for a buyout over simply borrowing more and paying shareholders a big dividend also appears sound.

The New York Times

Even Johan Santana has a 6.75 E.R.A., but his surgically repaired left elbow appears sound, so the focus is on the next three starters.

The New York Times - Sports

The low, slow trawl around the subcontinent will test him but the psyche appears sound, the attitude good, and after this, the confidence off the scale.

Independent

By the time Secretary Powell arrives in Tashkent, the engineering survey of the bridge will be complete, according to Pentagon officials who say the bridge appears sound.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Still, Parliament has shown a healthy independence and many of its judgments appear sound.

The New York Times

For many years, the turmoil in neighbouring Algeria made Tunisia's zero-tolerance policy against Islamists appear sound.

The Economist

Just as encouraging for the Heat: Wade had 14 points in the half, his sore right knee appearing sound once more.

The New York Times - Sports

Given there are plans to produce at least two more Star Wars features, and two spinoffs (including a Han Solo "origins" film), Disney's investment would appear sound.

The Guardian - Film

After a preliminary review of the Democratic plan, H. Carl McCall, the Democratic state comptroller, said today that it appeared sound and detailed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing a plan or strategy, use "appears sound" to indicate that initial evaluation suggests it's logical and likely to succeed. However, ensure further investigation is conducted to confirm its validity.

Common error

Avoid using "appears sound" as a definitive judgment. It indicates a preliminary assessment, not a final conclusion. Always follow up with thorough analysis to confirm the initial impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears sound" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating a tentative assessment of something. It suggests that something seems valid or reasonable based on available information, without making a definitive claim. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears sound" is a versatile phrase used to express a preliminary positive assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase communicates that something seems reasonable or valid based on initial impressions. Remember to follow up with thorough analysis to avoid over-reliance on tentative judgments. Alternatives such as "seems reasonable" and "looks valid" offer nuanced variations for expressing similar ideas. The frequency of its use indicates it is a common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems reasonable

Replaces "appears" with "seems", focusing on the impression of being logical and sensible.

looks valid

Substitutes "appears" with "looks" and "sound" with "valid", emphasizing the visual impression of correctness.

seems plausible

Uses "plausible" instead of "sound", highlighting the believability of something.

appears legitimate

Replaces "sound" with "legitimate", stressing the authenticity and lawfulness.

sounds convincing

Shifts the perspective to how something is heard or argued, rather than its inherent quality.

appears well-founded

Emphasizes that something has a solid basis or justification.

seems credible

Focuses on the trustworthiness and reliability of something.

appears logical

Highlights the rational and coherent nature of something.

seems solid

Indicates that something is robust and dependable.

looks promising

Suggests that something has a good chance of success or positive outcome.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "appears sound"?

When something "appears sound", it suggests that based on an initial assessment, it seems reasonable, logical, and likely to be valid or successful. It implies a preliminary positive judgment but calls for further scrutiny.

What can I say instead of "appears sound"?

You can use alternatives like "seems reasonable", "looks valid", or "seems plausible" depending on the context.

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

"Appears sound" indicates a preliminary assessment, while "is sound" suggests a confirmed judgment. Use "appears sound" when you want to express an initial positive impression that requires further verification.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "appears sound"?

The phrase "appears sound" is suitable in contexts where you're evaluating proposals, strategies, or ideas and want to convey that they seem logical and promising upon initial review. It's commonly used in news reporting, scientific analyses, and formal assessments.