can appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can appear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility or likelihood of something being visible or present in a certain context. Example: "Under certain conditions, the phenomenon can appear as a bright flash of light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Cracks can appear.

The New York Times

The results can appear devious.

The Economist

Her lyrics can appear digressive.

The Economist

Data can appear forbidding.

The Guardian

Unlikely space becomes available, mismatches can appear.

Independent

But the process can appear less delicate.

The New Yorker

Other programs can appear more serious.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Christofias can appear pretty grumpy, too.

The Economist

Sometimes, bad news can appear from nowhere.

The Economist

To outsiders, their reasons can appear tenuous.

The New Yorker

Gordon's terse manner can appear standoffish.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can appear", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the appearing and the conditions under which it does so. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can appear" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound vague and less impactful. Opt for more direct verbs when possible to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can appear" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility or likelihood of something becoming visible or evident. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can appear" is a grammatically sound and widely used modal verb phrase that expresses the possibility or likelihood of something becoming visible or evident. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal writing. When using "can appear", ensure clarity by specifying the conditions under which something appears. While it is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a strong and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be visible

Focuses directly on the potential for something to be seen.

may emerge

Emphasizes the potential for something to arise or become known.

may seem

Focuses on the impression or perception created.

might arise

Indicates a possibility, though perhaps less certain than "can".

might look

Directly relates to the visual aspect or appearance.

could surface

Suggests that something previously hidden may become visible.

might materialize

Highlights the possibility of something becoming real or concrete.

could manifest

Emphasizes the process of something becoming evident or apparent.

could come across as

Indicates how something might be perceived by others.

might present itself

Suggests an opportunity or situation becoming available.

FAQs

How do I use "can appear" in a sentence?

"Can appear" is used to express the possibility of something becoming visible or evident. For example, "Cracks "can appear" on old violins" or "The results "can appear" deceptive".

What's a good alternative to "can appear"?

Alternatives to "can appear" include "may emerge", "might arise", or "may be visible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "can appear" in formal writing?

Yes, "can appear" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, as demonstrated by its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

What is the difference between "can appear" and "may seem"?

"Can appear" suggests the possibility of something becoming visible or evident, while "may seem" indicates how something might be perceived or understood. The former focuses on appearance, while the latter focuses on perception.