"appearing as" vs "appearing that"

Question

"appearing as" vs "appearing that"

Both "appearing that" and "appearing as" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Appearing that" is used when describing how something seems or looks, while "appearing as" is used when describing the role or function of something.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "appearing as" when you want to describe the role or function that something is taking on or being perceived as.

Examples:

He is appearing as a mentor to the new employees.
The painting is appearing as a masterpiece in the art gallery.
The actor is appearing as a villain in the new movie.

Alternatives:

functioning as
serving as
acting as
playing the role of
being seen as

Use "appearing that" when you want to describe how something appears or seems to be.

Examples:

It is appearing that the situation is getting worse.
She is appearing that she is happy, but I can tell she is sad.
It is appearing that the project will be completed on time.

Alternatives:

seeming that
looking like
appearing to be
seeming to be
appearing like

Answer 1

appearing as

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the role or function of something.

Answer 2

appearing that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe how something seems or looks.

"appearing as" vs "appearing that"

appearing as

appearing that

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