There Appear To Be No Functional Systems
There is a peculiar grammatical construction that involves the use of the word “there” in combination with the verb “appear.” This construction can be used in two different ways – as a locative or demonstrative form, or as an existential form.
In the sentence “There appear to be no functional systems,” the subject is “no functional systems,” and the verb “appear” agrees with the subject. This construction is often used when discussing the presence or absence of something.
In this case, it suggests that no functional systems exist.
Subject-Verb Agreement In The Sentence
One interesting aspect of this construction is the subject-verb agreement. In the sentence mentioned earlier, the subject “no functional systems” is plural, and therefore, the verb “appear” takes the plural form as well.
This is why we say “there appear to be” instead of “there appears to be.”
It’s worth noting that when there is a subject complement after the verb, the verb agrees with the complement rather than the noun “systems.” For example, in the sentence “There appear to be no functional systems left,” the verb still takes the plural form because the complement “no functional systems left” is plural.
Adverb Placement And Subject-Verb Order Inversion
Another curious aspect of this construction is the way adverbs can invert the subject-verb order. This is mainly observed with locative adverbs.
For example, consider the sentence “There suddenly appear to be strange occurrences.” Here, the adverb “suddenly” is placed before the verb, causing the subject “strange occurrences” to come after the verb.
This inversion is commonly used to emphasize the adverb or to create a sense of surprise or anticipation. The adverb placement can add a unique rhythm to the sentence and create a more engaging writing style.
“There Appears To Be” Vs “There Appear To Be”
Now that we have explored the basics of this construction, let’s dive into the difference between using “there appears to be” and “there appear to be” depending on the subject.
Both forms are considered grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the subject in the sentence. In general, if the subject is plural, we use “there appear to be.” Conversely, if the subject is singular, we use “there appears to be.”
To illustrate this difference, consider the following examples:
– “There appear to be many opportunities for growth.”
– “There appears to be a single solution to the problem.”
It’s important to choose the correct form to maintain subject-verb agreement and ensure clarity in your writing.
Both Forms Considered Grammatically Correct
It’s worth mentioning that both “there appears to be” and “there appear to be” are considered grammatically correct. The choice between the two depends on the number of the subject.
This flexibility allows writers to adapt the construction to suit the context and desired emphasis. It also showcases the intricacies of the English language and the various ways in which we can express ideas.
Verb Substitution: “Appear” Vs “Seem”
While we have been focusing on the verb “appear” in this discussion, it’s important to note that it can be replaced with the verb “seem” without altering the grammatical structure. Both verbs are used interchangeably in this construction to express similar ideas.
For example:
– “There appears to be a mistake.” (using “appear”)
– “There seems to be a mistake.” (using “seem”)
This substitution provides writers with additional options to convey their intended meaning while maintaining the same grammatical structure.
Plural Subject: “There Appear To Be”
When the subject of the sentence is plural, the correct form to use is “there appear to be.” This ensures subject-verb agreement and helps convey the correct meaning.
For instance:
– “There appear to be numerous studies supporting the theory.”
– “There appear to be many challenges ahead.”
By using the plural form “appear,” we accurately describe the presence or existence of, in this case, the studies and challenges.
Singular Subject: “There Appears To Be”
Conversely, when the subject is singular, we use the form “there appears to be.” This maintains subject-verb agreement and provides clarity in our writing.
For example:
– “There appears to be a solution to the problem.”
– “There appears to be a significant difference between the two theories.”
Using “appears” in these sentences ensures that we correctly convey the existence or presence of the singular subject.
In conclusion, the construction involving “there appears to be” or “there appear to be” offers writers a unique way to discuss the presence or absence of something. Understanding the subject-verb agreement and correctly choosing between the two forms is crucial for effective communication.
With this knowledge, writers can confidently construct sentences that accurately convey their intended meaning.
