Appear can be a link verb, used to say how things look or seem. It is used in similar ways to seem, but is less frequent.
Seem can be used to talk both about objective facts and about subjective impressions and feelings. Appear is mostly used to talk about objective facts. Compare:
The baby sees/appears (to be) hungry.
She doesn't want to go on studying. It seems a pity.
Seem is often used with like. This is not normal with appear. Seem can be used in a special structure with can't. This is not possible with appear:
It seemed like a good idea.
I can't seem to make him understand.
Seem can be used to talk both about objective facts and about subjective impressions and feelings. Appear is mostly used to talk about objective facts. Compare:
The baby sees/appears (to be) hungry.
She doesn't want to go on studying. It seems a pity.
Seem is often used with like. This is not normal with appear. Seem can be used in a special structure with can't. This is not possible with appear:
It seemed like a good idea.
I can't seem to make him understand.
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