may appear to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may appear to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or possibility, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Example: "The data may appear to show a decrease in sales, but upon closer examination, we realize it was due to an external factor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may appear to be a contradiction.

The Economist

The answer may appear to be yes.

Harvard Business Review

That's how it may appear to him.

The Economist

Rossini's opera may appear to make a hash of Shakespeare.

The New York Times

But time is shorter than it may appear to be.

The Guardian

The eyes may appear to be crossed or otherwise misaligned.

The New York Times - Science

And, to some, there may appear to be no difference.

MIT Technology Review

"They may appear to be caring," he said.

The New York Times

This review is not exhaustive and may appear to some to be rather superficial.

Update on Cancer Therapeutics

These diverse domains and forms of anonymity rules may appear to lack theoretical coherence.

Blinding as a Solution to Bias Strengthening Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, and Law

"Barbecue Man may appear to be asleep," Mr. Schlesinger roared, climbing off the couch.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may appear to", consider adding a contrasting statement that reveals the true nature or underlying reality.

Common error

Avoid using "may appear to" excessively in your writing. While it's useful for introducing nuance, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant and less confident. Vary your sentence structure with other expressions to maintain a clear and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may appear to" functions as a hedging device, softening assertions and indicating uncertainty or possibility. It introduces an element of doubt regarding the initial perception or observation, suggesting that further examination might reveal a different reality. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may appear to" is a versatile linguistic tool used to express uncertainty or to qualify an initial impression. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase serves as a hedging device, encouraging critical thinking and deeper analysis beyond surface-level observations. While common, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "might seem to" to maintain writing dynamism. Mastering its usage enhances precision and nuance in communication, making it a valuable asset for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might seem to

Replaces "appear" with "seem", subtly altering the nuance but maintaining the expression of a superficial impression.

could look like

Shifts the focus to visual perception, suggesting a resemblance that may not be accurate.

might give the impression of

Highlights the creation of an impression, emphasizing the potential for misinterpretation.

may create the semblance of

Implies a superficial imitation of something, often with deceptive intent.

could be mistaken for

Focuses on the possibility of incorrect identification or assessment.

might present as

Common in medical or scientific contexts, indicating a particular presentation of symptoms or characteristics.

can easily be misconstrued as

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be misinterpreted.

might outwardly resemble

Stresses the external similarity while implying internal differences.

may feign to be

Suggests deliberate deception, implying an attempt to create a false appearance.

can masquerade as

Implies a deceptive disguise, suggesting an attempt to conceal true identity or nature.

FAQs

How can I use "may appear to" in a sentence?

Use "may appear to" to introduce something that seems one way on the surface, but is actually different upon closer inspection. For example, "The task "may appear to" be simple, but it requires a lot of attention to detail."

What are some alternatives to "may appear to"?

You can use alternatives such as "might seem to", "could look like", or "might give the impression of" to express a similar idea.

Is it more formal to say "may appear to" or "might seem to"?

"May appear to" and "might seem to" are generally interchangeable and have a similar level of formality. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "may appear to be" and "is"?

"May appear to be" suggests that something's appearance is potentially deceptive or not entirely accurate, whereas "is" states a fact. For example, "The problem "may appear to be" complex, but the solution is quite simple" implies the complexity is misleading, while "The problem is complex" states it as a definite truth.