not appearing to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not appearing to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a lack of visibility or presence in a particular context or situation. Example: "The evidence was inconclusive, not appearing to support any specific theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On Saturday, the players assembled by Hughes carried the appearance of hired hands, many not appearing to have the stomach for the fight, certainly judging by their timid efforts.

BBC

The Cubs were not, appearing to surrender on several plate appearances, revealing little discipline, absent focus, and lots of hanging heads.

Los Angeles Times

"The key is to devise a system that recognises that while not appearing to".

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, his reputation for deviousness was so widespread he failed the ultimate trickster's art of not appearing to be tricky.

Independent

She was handed prison sentences by the same court last year for not appearing to face two other corruption charges.

The New York Times

It is fair to ask, as Beckett does, why this relentless Euroscepticism is still not appearing to carry the day.

The Guardian

Or, rather, not appearing to take much interest in what you were wearing was the big deal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That has left Ms. Kennedy looking for a way to showcase her accomplishments while not appearing to campaign.

The New York Times

Both parties have an interest in getting the farm bill and the energy bill passed; the Democrats have a wider interest in not appearing to be obstructionist.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He does not appear to be listening.

The New Yorker

He does not appear to mind that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not appearing to" when you want to describe that something lacks a certain outward quality or characteristic, but without making a definitive claim. It suggests a perceived absence rather than a confirmed fact.

Common error

While grammatically sound, excessive use of "not appearing to" can make your writing seem hesitant or verbose. In formal contexts, consider using stronger verbs or more direct statements when the evidence supports it. For example, instead of "the data is not appearing to support the hypothesis", try "the data does not support the hypothesis."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not appearing to" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a statement by suggesting a lack of outward evidence without making a definitive claim. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not appearing to" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of outward indication or to hedge a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to be mindful of overusing it in formal contexts, where more direct language may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "not seeming to" or "not looking like" to vary your writing. Remember, it indicates a perceived absence rather than a confirmed fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not seeming to

Replaces "appearing" with "seeming", focusing on the impression given.

not looking like

Emphasizes visual impression instead of general appearance.

not giving the impression of

More explicit in stating the absence of a particular impression.

not showing signs of

Focuses on the absence of outward signs or indicators.

not evidencing

Formal alternative, highlighting the lack of evidence.

not demonstrating

Focuses on the lack of active display of something.

not betraying

Suggests an effort to conceal something, which isn't always implied in the original phrase.

not reflecting

Highlights the absence of a match between an inner state and an outward display.

not presenting as

More formal way of saying something does not outwardly seem to be something

not posing as

This implies a deceptive intention, unlike the neutral stance of the original.

FAQs

How can I use "not appearing to" in a sentence?

Use "not appearing to" to indicate that something does not outwardly seem to be a certain way. For example, "He was "not appearing to" be concerned about the news" suggests he didn't show concern, but may have been internally.

What are some alternatives to "not appearing to"?

You can use alternatives like "not seeming to", "not looking like", or "not giving the impression of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "does not appear to" or "is not appearing to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "does not appear to" is generally more concise and preferred in formal writing. "Is not appearing to" may be used to emphasize a temporary or ongoing state, but can sometimes sound awkward.

What's the difference between "not seeming to" and "not appearing to"?

"Not seeming to" and "not appearing to" are very similar. "Seeming" often implies a subjective impression, while "appearing" suggests a more objective observation. However, the difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.