it can appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can appear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility or likelihood of something being visible or evident in a certain context. Example: "In certain lighting conditions, it can appear that the colors are more vibrant than they actually are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There can even be times in its NFL homeland that it can appear legitimised gang warfare.

Independent

It can appear before its arch rivals (Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft) in directories.

HuffPost

It can appear portentous and smug.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can appear as unexpected jerks or twisting, writhing motions.

Stanford University

Done badly it can appear uncoordinated and ugly.

The Guardian

It's so precise that it can appear prewritten.

The New York Times - Arts

It can appear in explicit or semi-implicit calculations using upwinded or centered spatial differences.

Journal of Computational Physics

• Wander over to ireport.com, which CNN created in February 2008, and it can appear overwhelming.

The New York Times

His dyed brown hair was not as unnerving in reality as it can appear in photographs.

The Guardian - Music

But if a ring is dominated by the smallest grains, it can appear blue.

The New York Times - Science

Though it can appear at any age, the condition primarily affects middle-aged men.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can appear" to express a tentative observation or a subjective impression rather than a definitive statement of fact.

Common error

Avoid using "it can appear" when you want to convey certainty. Choose stronger verbs like 'is' or 'proves' if you have conclusive evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can appear" functions as a hedge, softening claims and expressing subjective impressions. It suggests a possibility or likelihood rather than a definitive statement. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from describing visual perceptions to interpreting complex phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can appear" is a versatile phrase used to convey a tentative observation or impression. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. The analysis shows it is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, use it to express uncertainty rather than stating an absolute fact. Ludwig examples showcase its adaptability, while alternatives like "it may seem" or "it might look" offer subtle shifts in meaning. Ultimately, "it can appear" serves as a valuable tool for expressing nuanced perspectives across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may seem

Replaces 'can' with 'may', suggesting a slightly weaker possibility.

it might look

Uses 'might' and 'look' to focus on visual impression and possibility.

it could seem

Substitutes 'can' with 'could', indicating a conditional possibility.

it is possible that it seems

Adds a more explicit emphasis on possibility and visual impression.

it is liable to seem

Emphasizes the likelihood of a certain impression.

it has the appearance of

Focuses on the outward presentation or semblance.

it gives the impression of

Highlights the resulting perception or feeling conveyed.

it tends to look

Indicates a common or usual visual impression.

it is apt to appear

Suggests a natural tendency for something to become visible.

it simulates

Implies a deceptive or artificial representation of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it can appear" to describe something that seems to be the case based on observation or available information, but might not be entirely certain. For example, "From a distance, "it can appear" that the building is taller than it actually is."

What can I say instead of "it can appear"?

You can use alternatives like "it may seem", "it might look", or "it could seem" depending on the specific context.

What does "it can appear" mean?

The phrase "it can appear" suggests that something has a particular appearance or gives a certain impression, although this appearance might not reflect the complete reality. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity in observation.

Is "it can appear" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can appear" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding sentence and the overall writing style.