it would appear that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it would appear that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when there is an indication that something is true, even though it has not been proven to be true. Example: It would appear that the new policy has been well-received by the staff.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At least on first glance, it would appear that way.

The Washington Post

It would appear that Spring is here.

Huffington Post

It would appear that it went to Alaska from Oregon.

Harvard University

It would appear that Arkansas is a bad opponent, too.

The New York Times

It would appear that the love is reciprocal.

Independent

It would appear that Ryu Murakami has cracked the formula.

The New York Times - Books

However, it would appear that the problem persists on Android.

Independent

It would appear that Lee's "investment" is paying off.

The Guardian

It would appear that the co-op would be responsible.

The New York Times

It would appear that China's trade figures are no better.

The Economist

It would appear that Russia has been spying on Canada..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure the context provides some basis for the appearance or indication. This strengthens the credibility of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it would appear that" when the information is definitively known or proven. This phrase implies uncertainty, so it's unsuitable for stating established facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would appear that" functions as an evidential marker, signaling that the speaker or writer is presenting information based on inference or observation rather than direct knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would appear that" serves as a useful tool for expressing conclusions based on observation or inference, rather than absolute certainty. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts, although most frequently found in news, academic and science related sources. It provides a level of nuance, particularly when avoiding overstatements or strong assertions. When using this phrase, remember it's best suited for situations where there's a degree of uncertainty or when presenting a conclusion drawn from indirect information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems that

More concise and direct; omits the conditional "would".

it seems as if

Emphasizes the impression or appearance of something.

it looks like

More informal and conversational.

it is likely that

Focuses on the probability of something.

it is evident that

Suggests a stronger degree of certainty based on clear evidence.

one might conclude that

Highlights the act of drawing a conclusion from available information.

indications suggest that

More formal; emphasizes the presence of clues or signs.

the evidence suggests that

Focuses specifically on evidence as the basis for a conclusion.

it is reasonable to assume that

Implies a logical and justifiable assumption.

it can be inferred that

Highlights the process of drawing a conclusion through reasoning.

FAQs

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

Use "it would appear that" to introduce an observation or conclusion that is based on available evidence, but not definitively proven. For example, "It would appear that the storm is passing" suggests the storm seems to be ending based on current conditions.

What phrases are similar to "it would appear that"?

Similar phrases include "it seems that", "it looks like", or "it is likely that". The choice depends on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it would appear that" formal or informal?

"It would appear that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both written and spoken English in many contexts, but avoid overly informal settings. Using more casual alternatives such as "it seems like" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What is the difference between "it would appear that" and "it is clear that"?

"It would appear that" suggests an observation based on available information, implying some uncertainty. "It is clear that" indicates a stronger sense of certainty and obviousness, suggesting the information is readily apparent and leaves little room for doubt.