it appeared to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appeared to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something seems to function or operate successfully, but there may be uncertainty about its effectiveness. Example: "After running the test, it appeared to work, but we need to conduct further evaluations to confirm its reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Wall Street thought that its lobbying could weaken any reform, and it appeared to work when the House bill's section on derivatives was filled with loopholes late last year, while the public and the news media were focused on health care.

The New York Times

It appeared to work.

The New Yorker

And it appeared to work.

The Guardian

Whatever happened in the end, it appeared to work - and quickly.

The Guardian - Tech

All they knew is they liked it and it appeared to work.

The Guardian - Tech

If the motive was to discredit Mr. Maliki's government and Iraq's security forces, however, it appeared to work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

And it appears to work.

The Washington Post

It appears to work remarkably well.

The Washington Post

It looks like an incongruous mixture, but it appears to work.

The Economist

The notion sounds unworkable, but to my surprise it appears to work.

The Guardian

It is politics done like science, effectively – with Ben Goldacre's approval – and, in many cases, it appears to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appeared to work" to convey a sense of initial success or effectiveness, but acknowledge the possibility of needing further confirmation or having underlying issues. It is suitable when you don't have definitive proof of complete success.

Common error

Avoid using "it appeared to work" when you have conclusive evidence of either success or failure. This phrase is best used when there's a degree of uncertainty or when initial observations suggest a positive outcome that requires further verification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appeared to work" functions as a clause expressing a subjective assessment of effectiveness. It suggests that something seemed successful based on initial observation, but without conclusive proof. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it appeared to work" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative assessment of success or effectiveness. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. It's best employed when conveying a sense of initial success that may require further verification. When writing, remember to avoid overstating certainty, and consider related phrases like "it seemed to function" or "it looked promising" to nuance your meaning. Finally, it is important to balance source quality and context when determining the appropriateness of using the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed to function

Focuses on the operational aspect, suggesting a functional but potentially superficial success.

it seemed effective

Emphasizes the perceived effectiveness of something, without necessarily confirming its actual success.

it looked promising

Suggests a positive initial impression and potential for success, but doesn't confirm it.

it showed signs of progress

Highlights early steps towards effectiveness but not necessarily a final solution.

it gave the impression of working

Highlights that the success might be superficial or misleading.

it gave a positive indication

Implies some indication of working but it does not confirm that.

it presented as successful

Similar to 'gave the impression', but more formal, indicating outward appearance rather than genuine success.

it conveyed effectiveness

Focuses on the communication of effectiveness, whether or not it's truly present.

it had the semblance of success

Implies a superficial or misleading appearance of success.

it simulated functionality

Suggests a mimicry of working properly, without necessarily being effective.

FAQs

How can I use "it appeared to work" in a sentence?

You can use "it appeared to work" to describe a situation where something seemed successful initially, but further investigation might be needed. For example, "The new strategy was implemented, and "it appeared to work", as sales increased in the first quarter."

What are some alternatives to "it appeared to work"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it seemed to function", "it seemed effective", or "it looked promising". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it appeared to work" or "it seemed to work"?

"It appeared to work" and "it seemed to work" are very similar and often interchangeable. The choice between them depends on stylistic preference. "Appeared" might suggest a more visual or outward impression, while "seemed" can imply a more general sense or feeling.

When should I avoid using "it appeared to work"?

Avoid using "it appeared to work" when you have definitive proof of success or failure. It's most appropriate when there's uncertainty or when you want to emphasize that the success is only initial or superficial.