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Johner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Look/Seem/Appear

Hi,

It looks / It seems / It appears

Do three of these have any absolute distincitons in usage? Like look is only for people... Do you have any suggestion about which one should we say during an informal speech?

Thanks in advance..
  

Top answer

johner It looks like / It seems / It appears The difference is only a difference of register. By coincidence you listed them in order of increasing formality. It looks like he's late again.

— CalifJim

  • johner It looks like / It seems / It appears The difference is only a difference of register.
  • By coincidence you listed them in order of increasing formality.
  • It looks like he's late again.
  • ) It seems (that) he's late again.
  • ) It appears (that) he's late again.
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3 Answers
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johnerIt looks like / It seems / It appears
The difference is only a difference of register. By coincidence you listed them in order of increasing formality.

It looks like he's late again. (Casual speech.)

It seems (that) he's late again. (Ordinary, mid-level of formality.)
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I agree with Jim completely. I'd just like to add that without like, look is usually used when eyes are involved:

He looks old.

But: The question seems / appears [to be] quite difficult.

CB
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I think I got the point. I appreciate your help CJ and CB. Thanks a lot.
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