but it appears

USAGE SUMMARY

"but it appears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a conclusion that you've reached. For example: "I did not find the contract in the filing cabinet, but it appears to have been moved to the safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it appears improbable.

The Economist

But it appears not.

The Guardian - Sport

But it appears to be true.

The Economist

But it appears to be rebounding.

The New York Times - Tech

But it appears to be working.

The New York Times

But it appears I missed the boat.

The New York Times

But it appears to be gaining ground.

The New York Times

But it appears like they can".

The New York Times - Arts

But it appears to be unfounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it appears likely to spread.

The New York Times

But it appears that Ocensa did.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it appears" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts a previous one, while acknowledging a degree of uncertainty or indirect evidence. This softens the contradiction and allows for alternative interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "but it appears" when the following statement doesn't offer a genuine contrast or unexpected twist to the previous one. Ensure there's a clear shift in perspective or information to justify the use of this contrasting phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it appears" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a contrasting observation or conclusion based on available evidence. It softens the contradiction, acknowledging that the appearance might not represent the complete truth. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it appears" serves as a versatile tool for introducing a contrasting or unexpected perspective while maintaining a level of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for various contexts, avoid overuse and ensure a genuine contrast is present. Consider alternatives like "however it seems" or "yet it would seem" for nuanced expression. With an expert rating of 4.5 and supported by numerous examples, "but it appears" stands as a reliable phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however it seems

Replaces "appears" with "seems", maintaining a similar level of uncertainty.

yet it would seem

Uses "would seem" to add a slightly more formal tone.

nevertheless it suggests

Emphasizes the implication or hint provided by the observed information.

nonetheless it indicates

Offers a more direct and assertive presentation of the conclusion.

still it would suggest

Similar to "yet it would seem", but with "still" to reinforce the contrast.

even so it implies

Highlights the inference or implication derived from the situation.

all the same it hints

Conveys a subtle suggestion or indication.

despite that it signals

More directly conveys that something is signaled, not just perceived.

regardless it intimates

Intimates provides a nuanced sense of implying something subtly.

even then it evinces

More formal; evinces means to show clearly that something is the case.

FAQs

How can I use "but it appears" in a sentence?

You can use "but it appears" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or expectation. For example: "The forecast predicted rain, but it appears the sun will shine all day."

What are some alternatives to "but it appears"?

You can use alternatives like "however it seems", "yet it would seem", or "nevertheless it suggests" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "but it appears"?

Yes, generally a comma precedes "but it appears" when it connects two independent clauses. For example: "I thought I locked the door, but it appears I was mistaken."

How formal is the phrase "but it appears"?

The phrase "but it appears" is considered relatively neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and professional contexts. More formal alternatives might include "nonetheless it indicates".