appears to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would generally use this phrase when referring to something that is thought to be a certain way but may not actually be that way. For example, "The suspect appears to be carrying a weapon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Moalin appears to agree.

The New Yorker

It appears to.

The New Yorker

This appears to be it.

The New York Times

Banksy appears to be unimpressed.

The Economist

Clinton appears to recognize this.

The New Yorker

It appears to be buoyant".

The New York Times

It appears to be sandpaper.

The New York Times - Sports

Bharara appears to have one.

The New Yorker

"It appears to be collusion.

The New York Times

That appears to have changed.

The New York Times

This appears to — once again!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears to" when you want to convey a sense of observation or deduction without stating something as a definitive fact. This is particularly useful when you are reporting on uncertain situations or making cautious inferences.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "appears to" in situations where stronger, more confident language is appropriate. Constant use can make your writing seem hesitant and undermine your authority. Instead, use stronger verbs when the evidence supports a more definitive claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to" functions as a hedging device, softening claims and indicating a degree of uncertainty. It is used to express that something seems a certain way based on available evidence, but without asserting it as a definite fact. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express perceptions, deductions, or impressions without asserting them as definitive facts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When using "appears to", it's important to consider the appropriate level of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overuse, which can weaken your writing. Consider alternatives like "seems to", "suggests that", or "indicates that" for variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seems to

Expresses a similar level of uncertainty or perception, but is slightly more informal.

Suggests that

Indicates a piece of evidence or information points towards a particular conclusion.

Indicates that

Similar to suggests that, but emphasizes a clearer, more direct pointer towards something.

Would seem to

Adds a layer of conditionality or speculation, implying a logical deduction based on available evidence.

Gives the impression of

Focuses on the subjective perception or feeling created.

Creates the impression of

Focuses on a perception, the nuance between 'give' and 'create' is subtle but meaningful.

It is likely that

Shifts the focus to the probability of something being true.

It would seem that

More formal, suggests a conclusion based on observation or information.

Is understood to

Indicates a generally accepted belief or understanding, though it may not be explicitly stated.

Gives the idea of

Focuses on the understanding or concept conveyed.

FAQs

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

Use "appears to" to express an observation or deduction that isn't a confirmed fact. For example, "The witness "seems to" be nervous" or "The strategy "suggests that" a change is coming".

What are some alternatives to "appears to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "seems to", "suggests that", "indicates that", or "it is likely that" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "appears to" versus "is"?

Use "appears to" when you're making an inference based on observation or limited information. Use "is" when you're stating a confirmed fact. For example, "The data "suggests that" sales are increasing" (inference) versus "Sales "have increased" by 15%" (confirmed fact).

Is "appears to be" more formal than "seems to be"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "appears to be" is generally considered slightly more formal than "seems to be". The choice often depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.