we appear to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we appear to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an observation or assumption about a situation or condition that seems to be true based on available information. Example: "After reviewing the data, we appear to be on track to meet our quarterly goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We appear to be inching, slowly, towards payback.

The Guardian - Film

We appear to be started on a long expedition".

The New Yorker

Now, though, we appear to be out of bubbles.

The New York Times

Not only that, we appear to be increasingly helping ourselves.

Independent

This year we appear to be deep in William Goldman country.

The Guardian - Film

We appear to be out on the open plain, before the railways came in.

The New Yorker

When I talk to her, we appear to be in complete agreement.

The New Yorker

We appear to be heading in that direction, which is all to the good.

The New Yorker

"We appear to be very interested in things churchy, but it's an accident really.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For now, though, we appear to be living in Gordon's fallen world.

The New Yorker

We appear to be in an early stage in the I.P.O.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "it appears that we are" for a more emphatic and clearer expression.

Common error

Avoid using "we appear to be" when you possess definitive proof or data. In such cases, a direct statement like "we are" is more appropriate and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we appear to be" functions as an introductory expression of an observation or conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces a degree of uncertainty, indicating that the statement is based on current evidence but might not be definitively proven.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we appear to be" is a versatile expression used to present observations or conclusions based on available evidence, without asserting absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While it can be replaced with similar phrases like "it seems we are" or "we seem to be", it's important to avoid overstating certainty when using this expression. Remember, "we appear to be" implies a reasoned assessment, but it acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we seem to be

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

it appears that we are

Adds explicit clarity that the observation is based on an appearance.

it seems we are

Replaces "appear" with "seems", emphasizing the subjective impression.

we are apparently

Emphasizes that the observation is based on available evidence.

we are seemingly

Uses the adverb "seemingly" to convey the impression.

it would seem that we are

Adds a degree of formality and emphasis to the observation.

we look to be

Substitutes "appear" with "look", focusing on visual evidence.

we may be

Introduces a stronger element of possibility or uncertainty.

we could be

Similar to 'we may be', but implies a greater degree of uncertainty or conditionality.

we are understood to be

Shifts the perspective to a more formal understanding or consensus.

FAQs

How can I use "we appear to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "we appear to be" introduces an observation based on available evidence, like in: "After analyzing the results, "we appear to be" on the right track".

What are some alternatives to "we appear to be"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems we are", "we seem to be", or "we look to be", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we appear to be" or "we are"?

"We appear to be" is suitable when you're making an assessment based on current information, but not stating an absolute fact. "We are" is used when you are certain of the statement.

What does "we appear to be" imply about the speaker's confidence?

Using "we appear to be" implies a moderate level of confidence. It suggests that while there's evidence supporting the statement, there's still room for doubt or further confirmation.