Grammar 6-1 and 6-2 described how to speculate using modal verbs. This unit will focus on other grammatical structures that can be used to express different degrees of likelihood or probability.
Seem, Appear, and Look
Speculating means to express an opinion or judgement about something without having all of the facts, details, or information. Seem, appear, and look express the impression that you get from someone or about a situation and can be used to speculate.
Seem / appear + infinitive verb
Seem and appear can be used with infinitive verbs to speculate about actions or states. Seem and appear have very similar meanings; however, appear is mostly used to talk about facts or events while seem is used to talk about facts as well as personal feelings/emotions and ideas.
- All the customers in the restaurant seemed to be satisfied with their meals.
- The battery in my new phone appears to last longer than the one on my old phone.
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