it appears to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it appears to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are making an observation but need to qualify it in some way. For example, "It appears to be a sunny day, but there are some dark clouds overhead".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It appears to.

The New Yorker

It appears to be buoyant".

The New York Times

It appears to be sandpaper.

The New York Times - Sports

"It appears to be collusion.

The New York Times

"It appears to be both".

The New York Times

It appears to be succeeding, partially.

The New York Times - Sports

It appears to have rubbed off.

The Economist

It appears to have sound management.

The Economist

"It appears to be a draw.

The New Yorker

But it appears to be rebounding.

The New York Times - Tech

And it appears to be perfectly normal".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears to" to introduce a statement that is based on observation or limited evidence, rather than absolute certainty. This adds a layer of nuance and avoids making overly assertive claims.

Common error

Avoid using "it appears to" excessively in your writing, as it can make your prose sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Vary your sentence structure and use stronger verbs when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears to" functions as a hedging device, softening claims and indicating a lack of complete certainty. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It introduces statements based on observation or limited evidence, aligning with the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it appears to" is a versatile and widely used phrase for expressing observations and assessments with a degree of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when presenting information based on less than definitive proof, and avoiding overuse to keep your writing direct and engaging. Consider similar phrases, like "it seems to" or "it suggests that", for variety. The phrase is frequently found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, making it a reliable choice for formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems to

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal and direct.

it would seem to

Adds a touch of formality and indirectness.

it would appear that

More formal and emphasizes observation.

it suggests that

Implies that evidence points in a certain direction.

it indicates that

Similar to 'suggests that', but slightly stronger in conveying evidence.

it looks like

More informal and based on visual observation.

it is apparent that

Emphasizes clarity and obviousness.

it is evident that

Similar to 'apparent that', but slightly stronger.

one can infer that

Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion.

the evidence suggests

Focuses on the evidence as the basis for the conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "it appears to" to introduce a statement when you want to express that something seems to be the case based on available evidence, but you are not entirely certain. For instance, "it appears to be raining" suggests rain is likely, but you might not have confirmed it firsthand.

What are some alternatives to "it appears to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it seems to", "it suggests that", or "it indicates that" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it appears that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it appears that" is grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably with "it appears to" followed by a verb. For example, both "it appears to be true" and "it appears that it is true" are acceptable.

What is the difference between "it seems to" and "it appears to"?

While both phrases express a degree of uncertainty, "it seems to" often implies a personal feeling or impression, whereas "it appears to" typically suggests an observation based on external evidence. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle difference can influence your choice depending on the context.