Representing being and having

ugs.gif (980 bytes) 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 groupgloss.gif (923 bytes):

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 uncountablygloss.gif (923 bytes):

If you think your wife will cope, there seems no reason not to tell her.
(Bank of English)

04conten.gif (549 bytes) Introduction
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be to represent existence
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be to represent location
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be with relative clauses
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be with infinitive clauses
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be with that-clauses
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there exist
square.gif (58 bytes) Using there appear/seem

gend.gif (844 bytes)