Appear

1 copular verb: 'seem'

Appear can be a copular verb, used to say how things look (like seem). It is used in similar ways to seem: see 490 for details.

He appears (to be) very angry today, (not Ho appears vary angrily today.)

It appears to be some kind of bomb.

She appears to have enough money to live on.

They do not appear to be at home.

It appears that we may be mistaken.

There appears to be a problem with the oil pressure.

2 appear and seem: differences

Seem can be used to talk both about objective facts and about subjective impressions and feelings (see 490 for examples). Appear is mostly used to talk about objective facts. Compare:

The baby seems/appears (to be) hungry.

She doesn 't want to go on studying. It seems a pity, (not 4t appears a pity.) Seem is often used with like. This is not normal with appear.

It seemed like a good idea.

(More natural than It appeared like a good idea.) Seem can be used in a special structure with can't. This is not possible with appear.

I can't seem to make him understand.

(but not I can't appear to make him understand) Appear is also rather more formal than seem.

3 'come into sight'

Appear can also mean 'come into sight' or 'arrive'. In this case it can be modified by an adverb.

She suddenly appeared in the doorway.