appears to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something appears to be true based on current evidence, but that it has not been fully confirmed yet. For example, "It appears to be true that the weather will be sunny tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This appears to be it.

The New York Times

Banksy appears to be unimpressed.

The Economist

It appears to be buoyant".

The New York Times

It appears to be sandpaper.

The New York Times - Sports

"It appears to be collusion.

The New York Times

Torres appears to be trying.

The New York Times - Sports

That appears to be true.

The New Yorker

"It appears to be both".

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the strife appears to be spreading.

The New York Times

This book appears to be the last.

The New York Times - Books

The Queen appears to be flustered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears to be" when you want to express an observation or conclusion that is based on evidence but not definitively proven. This softens the statement and acknowledges the possibility of other interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "appears to be" when you have concrete evidence. If something is definitively true, a more assertive statement is appropriate. "Appears to be" introduces uncertainty, so use it judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to be" functions as a linking verb, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun. It expresses a tentative assessment or observation, indicating that something seems to be a certain way based on available evidence, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears to be" is a versatile linking verb phrase used to express observations or tentative conclusions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency in news and media highlights its role in reporting assessments that aren't definitively proven. When writing, remember to use "appears to be" when you want to convey a sense of observation rather than absolute certainty, and avoid using it when stronger, more direct statements are warranted. Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate the phrase's correct usage and diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be

A direct synonym, expressing a similar level of certainty based on observation.

suggests that

Implies that available information points toward a particular conclusion.

indicates that

Emphasizes that something serves as a sign or signal of a particular situation.

would seem to be

Adds a degree of speculation or tentativeness to the observation.

gives the impression of being

Focuses on the outward appearance or perception created.

is apparently

Highlights that information is based on what is evident or known.

is understood to be

Expresses common knowledge or general consensus about something.

is believed to be

Indicates a degree of subjective opinion or faith in something.

can be inferred to be

Suggests a logical deduction based on available evidence.

may be considered to be

Introduces a degree of subjectivity or differing perspectives.

FAQs

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

Use "appears to be" to express an observation or conclusion based on current evidence. For example, "The project "appears to be" on schedule" suggests it's likely on time, but not definitively confirmed.

What are some alternatives to "appears to be"?

Alternatives include "seems to be", "suggests that", or "indicates that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it incorrect to use "appears to be"?

It's incorrect to use "appears to be" when you have definitive proof or direct knowledge. In such cases, a stronger statement is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The report "appears to be" accurate", say "The report is accurate" if you've verified its contents.

What is the difference between "appears to be" and "is"?

"Appears to be" implies a degree of uncertainty or observation, while "is" states a fact. "It "appears to be" raining" means it looks like rain, but you're not certain. "It is raining" means you know for sure.