Thanks to all the members who have responded to my post. But doesn't appear mean seem?
The following is from Collins Cobuild Dictionary.
If you say that something appears to be the way you describe it, you are reporting what you believe or what you have been told, though you cannot be sure it is true.
There appears to be increasing support for the leadership to take a more aggressive stance...
The aircraft appears to have crashed near Katmandu...
It appears that some missiles have been moved...
It appears unlikely that the UN would consider making such a move...
The presidency is beginning to appear a political irrelevance...
He appeared willing to reach an agreement.
= seem