appears to be constructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to be constructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that seems to have been built or created in a particular way, often in a context of analysis or observation. Example: "The structure of the poem appears to be constructed with a deliberate rhythm and rhyme scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Daystar" has a centered, orange mandalalike circle that appears to be constructed of innumerable tiny tree branches or bones.

The New York Times - Arts

Considering that Mei is blind, and that she appears to be constructed from rose petals and porcelain, her extensive homicidal tendencies come as something of a surprise.

The New Yorker

They close with the double whammy of True, the juggernaut power ballad that Kemp was inspired to write by Altered Images singer Clare Grogan, and Gold, the brash blare of self-belief that appears to be constructed from pure titanium.

The Guardian - Music

There was something, but nothing more," he says, tiptoeing politely around the fact that, possibly, they may have realised at some stage during their inquiries that he appears to be constructed entirely out of gingerbread and chewing gum.

The Guardian - Sport

Near the entrance, an oversized leather sofa is flanked by a cluster of blue cube-shaped ottomans, kind of like MercBar circa 1997; the bar itself appears to be constructed of chocolate-veneer particleboard.

The New Yorker

It appears to be constructed from pistons, cables and battered metal plates, and yet it (or "he") was actually played by Sharlto Copley in a performance-capture suit, and all of the metal on screen has been put there by digital animators.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The internet giant appears to be constructing floating data centres off the coasts of California and Maine behind layers of elaborate security.

The Guardian - Tech

"Mercy" appeared to be constructed out of wandering thoughts.

The New York Times - Arts

All of the buildings -- five, six, seven stories tall -- appeared to be constructed of cinder blocks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The catalyst was the Guggenheim, a waterside modern-art museum which appeared to be constructed out of offcuts from an Airbus factory.

Independent

Other drawings are preoccupied with space and the push and pull of illusion: the shadows appear to be constructed in three dimensions while the lines look flat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appears to be constructed", ensure that the subject of your sentence has qualities that can reasonably be assessed for their method of construction. Using the phrase with abstract concepts might not be appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "appears to be constructed" is in the passive voice. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing seem vague. Consider rephrasing to use an active verb for a more direct and engaging style, like "they built..." instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to be constructed" functions as a linking verb phrase followed by a passive infinitive. It serves to connect the subject of a sentence with a description of its perceived method of creation or assembly. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase indicates a subjective assessment or impression about how something is made.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears to be constructed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey an observation or inference about the method by which something is made. While Ludwig highlights its usage across varied contexts such as News & Media and Science, it's important to be mindful of stylistic preferences and context-appropriateness. The phrase, while correct, does employ the passive voice, and writers should consider if an active construction might yield a more direct and engaging style. Alternatives like "seems to be built" or "looks to be designed" can offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be built

Replaces "appears" with "seems", offering a more direct and common alternative.

looks to be designed

Focuses on the aspect of design rather than just construction, implying intention.

gives the impression of being

Emphasizes the subjective impression created by the subject.

presents itself as

Highlights how something is presented, suggesting a specific facade or presentation.

is seemingly assembled

Emphasizes the assembly process, implying a collection of parts.

has the appearance of being

Similar to "gives the impression", but slightly more formal.

can be interpreted as

Focuses on interpretation, suggesting that the construction is open to different understandings.

suggests a structure of

Highlights the structural aspect, implying an underlying framework.

implies a composition of

Similar to suggesting a structure, but related to components of composition.

is ostensibly formed from

Highlights the materials from which something is made and focuses on an exterior perception.

FAQs

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

Use "appears to be constructed" to describe something whose method of construction is being observed or analyzed, as in: "The bridge "appears to be constructed" with steel beams."

What's a simpler way to say "appears to be constructed"?

Alternatives include "seems to be built" or "looks to be designed", depending on whether you're focusing on the construction or the design.

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

The phrases "appears to be constructed" and "seems to be constructed" are nearly synonymous. "Appears" is slightly more formal than "seems", but both indicate a perception or impression.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how something is built?

While "appears to be constructed" uses the passive voice, using the active voice (e.g., "they built the structure") can often make your writing more direct and engaging, but if the actor is unknown, passive voice can be suitable.