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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Appeared to

When he entered, the curtain appeared to move.

Because it is past tense, must we necessarily say 'appeared to have' instead of 'appeared to'? I guess not because it seems to be a continous action. But when is it necessary?
  

Top answer

Appeared to move = it moved at the same time as the appearance. Appeared to have moved = it moved before the appearance. I watched the mirage, and the lake appeared to move.

— Mister Micawber

  • Appeared to move = it moved at the same time as the appearance.
  • Appeared to have moved = it moved before the appearance.
  • I watched the mirage, and the lake appeared to move.
  • I tried to visit my old friends, but they appeared to have moved.
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1 Answers
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Appeared to move = it moved at the same time as the appearance.
Appeared to have moved = it moved before the appearance.

I watched the mirage, and the lake appeared to move.
I tried to visit my old friends, but they appeared to have moved.
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