it appears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an observation or conclusion that is based on available evidence or information, but not definitively proven. Example: "Based on the data collected, it appears that sales have increased over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so, it appears.

The New York Times

Rookie mistake, it appears.

Independent

Now it appears clear.

The New York Times

So it appears, anyway.

The New Yorker

It appears to.

The New Yorker

But it appears improbable.

The Economist

Times, it appears, change.

The New York Times

It appears deliberately misleading.

The Economist

It appears not.

The New York Times

Not much, it appears.

The New York Times

Mostly single mothers, it appears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears" to introduce observations or conclusions when you have evidence, but are not stating an absolute fact. This softens the statement and acknowledges potential uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it appears" when you have definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, a more direct and assertive statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears" functions as an evidential marker, indicating that the speaker or writer is drawing a conclusion based on available information or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it appears" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an observation or conclusion based on available evidence, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an evidential marker, indicating a degree of tentativeness. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Remember to use it when you have evidence but aren't stating an absolute fact, and avoid it when you possess definitive proof. Consider alternatives like "it seems" or "it is evident" depending on the desired level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems

Replaces "appears" with "seems", offering a slightly less formal tone.

it would seem

Adds a level of tentativeness and speculation.

it would appear

Maintains the formality but emphasizes the speculative nature of the observation.

it is apparent

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the observation.

it is evident

Similar to "it is apparent" but suggests a stronger degree of proof.

it is clear

Indicates a straightforward and easily understood conclusion.

it is clear that

Explicitly introduces a statement that is easily understood.

it looks like

Offers a more casual and visual interpretation of the situation.

it suggests

Implies that something indicates a particular conclusion.

one can infer

Emphasizes the act of drawing a conclusion based on reasoning.

FAQs

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

Use "it appears" to introduce a statement that seems to be true based on the available evidence, but is not definitively proven. For example, "It appears to be working".

What phrases are similar to "it appears"?

Alternatives include "it seems", "it would seem", or "it is evident". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it better to say "it appears" or "it is clear"?

"It appears" suggests a degree of uncertainty, while "it is clear" implies a more definitive conclusion. Choose the phrase that best reflects the strength of your evidence.

What's the difference between "it appears" and "it would appear"?

"It would appear" is slightly more formal and tentative than "it appears". The addition of "would" softens the statement and emphasizes the speculative nature of the observation.