Use seem and appear plus a to-infinitive to report a present impression, as in she seems to know the answer, and plus to have and a past participle for a past impression, as in he appears to have left already. It seems/appears that introduces an impersonal that-clause, as in it seems that she is right.
Grammar Rule
Seem and appear report an impression rather than a fact, and follow the same set of patterns.
Seem and Appear: Rules and Examples
| Structure | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| seem/appear + to-infinitive | present impression | She seems to know the answer. |
| seem/appear + to have + participle | past impression | He appears to have left already. |
| it seems/appears + that-clause | impersonal | It seems that she is right. |
| there seems/appears to be | impression about existence | There seems to be a problem with the printer. |
Remember: seem/appear + to-infinitive (or perfect/continuous infinitive); it seems/appears + that-clause; seem + adjective, not adverb.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using seem and appear correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-47. Seem/Appear + infinitive or that-clause
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Frequently Asked Questions
What follows seem or appear to report a present impression?
A to-infinitive, as in she seems to know the answer.
How do you report a past impression with seem or appear?
Use to have plus the past participle, as in he appears to have left already.
How does the impersonal form work?
It seems/appears plus a that-clause, as in it seems that she is right.
Does seem take an adjective or an adverb?
Seem takes an adjective, not an adverb, to describe the subject.