appears to indicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to indicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the impression that can be inferred from certain data. For example: "Recent market trends appear to indicate an increase in the demand for these products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the voting appears to indicate an underlying suspicion.

The New York Times - Sports

The draft memo appears to indicate that the agreement has changed.

The Guardian

The inventory appears to indicate that the price was $4 million.

The New York Times

"The body language of the players appears to indicate they are unhappy with their current manager.

The Guardian - Sport

If gentrification is afoot, Deptford High Street appears to indicate otherwise.

The New York Times - Travel

(It's enough to know that the word "KABOOM!" actually appears, to indicate an explosion).

The New Yorker

In the taped conversation, Clemens appears to indicate some concern about Radomski.

The New York Times - Sports

The survey results also appears to indicate a rise in the number of people mixing different drugs.

The Guardian

The decision to study the two projects comparatively appears to indicate that federal officials were not satisfied with those assurances.

The New York Times

Seizure data appears to indicate that with marijuana profits tumbling, they're switching over to heroin and meth.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, his overture appeared to indicate flexibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears to indicate" when you want to convey an inference or suggestion based on available evidence, but without asserting it as a definite fact. This is particularly useful in academic or analytical writing where conclusions should be cautiously presented.

Common error

Avoid using "appears to indicate" when the evidence is conclusive. If the data definitively proves a point, a stronger statement like "demonstrates" or "proves" is more appropriate. Overusing "appears to indicate" can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to indicate" functions as a hedge or qualifier, softening the assertion of a claim. It's used to present information as a likely inference based on available data, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its use in contexts where a definitive statement is not possible or warranted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears to indicate" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a qualified suggestion or inference based on available evidence. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it serves as a hedge, softening claims and encouraging critical consideration. It's most commonly found in news and media and scientific writing, reflecting its value in objective and cautious communication. Remember to use it when the evidence is suggestive but not conclusive, and consider stronger alternatives like "indicates" or "proves" when the data warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to suggest

Adds a slight emphasis on the impression being formed.

would seem to indicate

Adds a layer of conditionality or speculation.

suggests

A simpler, more direct synonym, lacking the explicit nuance of appearance.

tends to suggest

Indicates a proclivity or leaning toward a certain conclusion.

may suggest

Highlights possibility or uncertainty.

points to

Conveys directionality, implying evidence is leading to a specific conclusion.

implies

Focuses on the inherent meaning or consequence that can be derived.

leads one to believe

Focuses on the resulting belief or conviction.

gives the impression of indicating

More verbose, stressing subjective perception.

hints at

Suggests a subtle or indirect sign.

FAQs

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

Use "appears to indicate" to suggest a conclusion based on available evidence, without stating it as a definitive fact. For example: "The survey results "appears to indicate" a growing interest in sustainable products".

What are some alternatives to "appears to indicate"?

You can use alternatives such as "suggests", "seems to suggest", or "points to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "appears to indicate" or "indicates"?

"Appears to indicate" is suitable when the evidence suggests something but doesn't definitively prove it. "Indicates" is more appropriate when the evidence is conclusive. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence you are presenting.

What's the difference between "appears to indicate" and "suggests"?

"Appears to indicate" explicitly acknowledges that the conclusion is based on an impression or appearance, whereas "suggests" directly implies that the evidence points towards a particular conclusion without explicitly stating it's based on appearance. The former is slightly more cautious.