[Grammar] It appears that there has been a mistake.

[kadioguy]

It appears that there has been a mistake.

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/appear?q=+appear
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I think the pattern of this sentence is Subject + linking Verb + Complement; however, "it" here is used in the position of the subject while the real subject is at the end of the sentence, so logically there should be a real complement missing.

(PS - I know this structure is very nature. I just feel a little confused about its grammar point.)

Compare it to:

It seems clear that he has no reasonable alternative.

"Clear" is the complement.

What do you think?

 

[jutfrank]

What do you think?

It appears + (that) + clause

It seems + adjective + (that) + clause

I think you should focus first on the structures above (form) and then, more carefully, on the meaning and usage.

Do you understand the meaning of the example sentences? If so, can you sense the different uses?

 

[kadioguy]

It appears + (that) + clause

It seems + adjective + (that) + clause

I think you should focus first on the structures above (form) and then, more carefully, on the meaning and usage.

Do you understand the meaning of the example sentences? If so, can you sense the different uses?

Yes, and yes.

a. It appears/seems + (that) + clause

b. It appears/seems + adjective + (that) + clause

I mean, to me, on the structures, (a) = (c), and (b) = (d), because it here is a dummy it. So I think logically a real complement in (a) disappears. But practically I know (a) is correct whereas (c) not.

c. (That) + clause appears/seems

d. (That) + clause appears/seems + adjective