appears to show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something seems to demonstrate or reveal a particular point or conclusion, often based on evidence or observation. Example: "The data collected from the experiment appears to show a significant correlation between the two variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The footage appears to show Rankin and Chapman physically struggling.

The Guardian

One appears to show a Saturn rocket shooting into space.

The Guardian - Books

This photo also appears to show teargas being used.

The Guardian - Business

One appears to show officers repeatedly punching and kicking protesters.

The Guardian

One image appears to show an upside down "A'' painted on a piece of metal.

The Guardian

One video sequence appears to show a flash from the engines.

The Guardian

A photograph posted online appears to show Abuanza reading the Qur'an while holding an automatic rifle.

The Guardian

The rather odd News Corp-ification of the Telegraph appears to show no sign of abating.

The Guardian

This video appears to show the first moves made by the police.

The New Yorker

Makani's T-shirt also appears to show a swear word in English.

The Guardian

One of the fragments appears to show a human figure, possibly Hercules, wielding a club.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears to show" when you want to present information based on observation or preliminary evidence without making a definitive claim. It's suitable for academic papers, news reports, and professional communications where cautious language is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "appears to show" when stronger evidence exists. If the data definitively proves something, use more assertive language like "demonstrates" or "proves" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to show" functions as a hedge, softening claims and indicating that the evidence presented is suggestive rather than conclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase, typically employed when expressing an opinion based on observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears to show" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something seems to be the case based on available evidence, without making a definitive claim. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently used in news, media, and scientific writing to present cautious interpretations of data. Alternatives include "seems to indicate" and "suggests that". When using this phrase, ensure you're not overstating certainty and consider whether stronger evidence warrants more assertive language. Remember to use this valuable tool to soften your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to indicate

Implies a slightly stronger degree of certainty than "appears to show".

suggests that

Indicates a hint or implication, often based on indirect evidence.

indicates that

Directly points out something, suggesting a more definitive connection.

would seem to

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the observation.

gives the impression of

Highlights the perceived appearance rather than a concrete fact.

could be interpreted as

Focuses on the possibility of different interpretations.

is suggestive of

Implies a potential connection or relationship.

intimates that

Subtly hints at something, often indirectly.

hints at

Offers a subtle clue or suggestion without explicit statement.

points to

Suggests a direction or conclusion based on available information.

FAQs

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

"Appears to show" is used to indicate that something seems to be the case based on available evidence, but without stating it as a definite fact. For example, "The study appears to show a correlation between diet and health."

What can I say instead of "appears to show"?

You can use alternatives like "seems to indicate", "suggests that", or "indicates that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "appears to show" or "appears to be showing"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Appears to show" implies a general indication, while "appears to be showing" suggests an ongoing or developing situation. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "appears to show" and "proves"?

"Appears to show" indicates an impression based on preliminary evidence, whereas "proves" asserts a definitive conclusion supported by strong evidence. Use "appears to show" when you want to remain cautious and avoid making a claim that's not fully substantiated.