Representing being and having
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Using there be to represent existence and location | page 8 of 8 |
Using there appear/seem
If an author wishes to communicate uncertainty about a fact or an opinion, they can use
there + appear/seem. This structure is generally followed by to be or
to have been and a noun group:
There appeared to be a woman in the car, accompanied by a man.
(Bank of English)There seem to be very few motorists who respect a cyclist's safety.
(Bank of English)Thank goodness you phoned. I have been trying to reach you for days without success. There seems to have been some terrible misunderstanding. (Bank of English)
Sometimes, though, to be is omitted, especially before a noun which is being
used uncountably:
If you think your wife will cope, there seems no reason not to tell her.
(Bank of English)
Introduction
Using there be to represent existence
Using there be to represent location
Using there be with relative clauses
Using there be with infinitive clauses
Using there be with that-clauses
Using there exist
Using there appear/seem