Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다' to express a logical conclusion based on visual or situational evidence.
- Use '-ㄴ/은 것으로 보인다' for past tense or descriptive adjectives.
- Use '-는 것으로 보인다' for present tense action verbs.
- Use '-을 것으로 보인다' for future predictions or expectations.
Overview
-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 (romanized: -(eu)n/neun geoseuro boinda) is an advanced Korean grammar pattern indicating formal inference or an objective observation based on evidence, data, or logical deduction. It translates roughly to "it appears that," "it seems that," or "it is observed that." This construction distances the speaker from the statement, implying that the conclusion is derived from external facts rather than personal opinion or immediate perception. It elevates the register of communication, lending authority and objectivity to the statement.
This pattern is integral to academic discourse, news reporting, formal presentations, and any context requiring a neutral and evidence-backed presentation of information. Unlike its more casual counterparts, -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 emphasizes a systematic assessment of facts. Understanding its use is crucial for B2-level learners who aim to engage with complex topics and produce sophisticated, formal Korean.
Consider the difference between saying 비가 오는 것 같아요 (biga oneun geot gatayo - "I think it's raining" or "It seems like it's raining" based on personal feeling) and 비가 오는 것으로 보입니다 (biga oneun geoseuro boimnida - "It appears that it is raining" based on weather data or visible signs). The latter conveys a higher degree of certainty and objectivity, rooted in observable evidence or reported facts.
How This Grammar Works
- 1Verb/Adjective Stem +
-(으)ㄴ/는(Noun-Modifying Form): This initial component transforms a verb or adjective into an adjective clause that describes the following noun,것. This is where the tense (past, present, future) and verb/adjective distinction are primarily encoded.
가다(to go) →가는(present, verb)작다(to be small) →작은(present, adjective)먹다(to eat) →먹은(past, verb)
- 1
것(geot): Literally meaning "thing" or "fact,"것here serves as a dummy noun, nominalizing the preceding clause. It represents the situation or observation being inferred. It solidifies the idea that the inference is about a concrete state or event.
- 1
으로(euro): This particle, often translated as "as" or "in the state of," indicates the manner or capacity in which something is perceived. In this context, it signifies that the nominalized clause (~ㄴ/은/는 것) is being seen or considered as a particular fact or state of affairs.
- 1
보인다(boinda): This is the passive form of보다(boda, "to see"), meaning "is seen" or "appears." The use of the passive voice is crucial; it implies that the observation is occurring independently of a specific observer, contributing to the sense of objectivity. It's not I see it, but it is seen. This grammatical choice underscores the pattern's formal and impersonal nature.
이 보고서에 따르면 경제가 회복되고 있는 것으로 보인다 (i bogoseo-e ttareumyeon gyeongjega hoebukdoego inneun geoseuro boinda) means "According to this report, the economy appears to be recovering." The report itself serves as the evidence for this observation.Formation Pattern
-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 depends on the type of predicate (verb, adjective, or N + 이다) and the tense (present, past, or future). 보이다 is conjugated in the plain form (보인다) for written formal contexts (e.g., news articles, academic papers) or in the formal polite form (보입니다) for spoken formal contexts (e.g., news broadcasts, presentations).
가다 (to go) | Example: 읽다 (to read) | Meaning |
-는 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 가는 것으로 보인다 | 읽는 것으로 보인다 | Appears to be going/reading |
-(으)ㄴ 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 간 것으로 보인다 | 읽은 것으로 보인다 | Appears to have gone/read |
-(으)ㄹ 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 갈 것으로 보인다 | 읽을 것으로 보인다 | Appears that it will go/read |
-은 for past and -을 for future. When it ends in a vowel or ㄹ, use -ㄴ for past and -ㄹ for future.
만들다 (to make) → 만든 것으로 보인다 (past), 만들 것으로 보인다 (future).
크다 (to be big) | Example: 작다 (to be small) | Meaning |
-(으)ㄴ 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 큰 것으로 보인다 | 작은 것으로 보인다 | Appears to be big/small |
-(으)ㅆ던 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 컸던 것으로 보인다 | 작았던 것으로 보인다 | Appears to have been big/small |
-(으)ㄹ 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 클 것으로 보인다 | 작을 것으로 보인다 | Appears that it will be big/small |
-은 if the stem ends in a consonant, and -ㄴ if it ends in a vowel. This is identical to the past tense verb formation for the 것 clause.
-았/었/했던 before 것으로 보인다 to emphasize the state having existed in the past, implying a duration or prior condition. For example, 날씨가 좋았던 것으로 보입니다 (nalssiga johatteon geoseuro boimnida - "It appears that the weather was good").
이다 (to be)
학생 (student) | Example: 선생님 (teacher) | Meaning |
인 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 학생인 것으로 보인다 | 선생님인 것으로 보인다 | Appears to be a student/teacher |
이었/였던 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 학생이었던 것으로 보인다 | 선생님이었던 것으로 보인다 | Appears to have been a student/teacher |
일 것으로 보인다/보입니다 | 학생일 것으로 보인다 | 선생님일 것으로 보인다 | Appears that it will be a student/teacher |
이었던 is used after nouns ending in a consonant, 였던 after nouns ending in a vowel.
데이터 분석 결과, 새로운 시장이 형성되고 있는 것으로 보입니다. (deiteo bunseok gyeolgwa, saeroun sijangi hyeongseongdoego inneun geoseuro boimnida.) - "As a result of data analysis, a new market appears to be forming."
사고 현장에서는 빠른 구조 활동이 진행되었던 것으로 보인다. (sago hyeonjangeseoneun ppareun gujo hwaldongi jinhaengdoeeotdeon geoseuro boinda.) - "It appears that rapid rescue operations were carried out at the accident site."
전문가들은 내년에도 주식 시장이 강세를 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. (jeonmungadeureun naenyeonedo jusik sijangi gangserul boil geoseuro jeonmanghago itseumnida.) - "Experts predict that the stock market will likely show strength next year." (Literally: "It appears that the stock market will show strength.")
When To Use It
-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 is reserved for specific contexts where objectivity, formality, and evidence-based inference are paramount. Its usage signifies that a conclusion is drawn from observable facts, data, or logical deduction, rather than personal sentiment.- 1News Reporting and Journalism: This is one of the most common applications. News anchors and reporters use this pattern to convey information derived from investigations, official statements, or observable events without expressing personal bias.
경찰 조사 결과, 용의자가 현장에 없었던 것으로 보입니다.(gyeongchal josa gyeolgwa, yonguijaga hyeonjang-e eopseotdeon geoseuro boimnida.) - "According to the police investigation, the suspect appears not to have been at the scene."
- 1Academic Writing and Research Papers: In academic contexts, claims must be supported by evidence. This grammar pattern allows researchers to present their findings, interpretations, or hypotheses in a neutral, authoritative manner.
본 연구 결과에 따르면, 이 교육 방식이 학습 효과를 높이는 것으로 보인다.(bon yeongu gyeolgwa-e ttareumyeon, i gyoyuk bangsigi hakseup hyogwareul nopineun geoseuro boinda.) - "According to the results of this study, this teaching method appears to increase learning effectiveness."
- 1Formal Presentations and Business Reports: When presenting market trends, financial analyses, or project statuses, using this pattern adds credibility. It suggests that the presented information is based on thorough analysis and not mere speculation.
지난 분기 실적을 고려할 때, 매출이 꾸준히 증가하고 있는 것으로 보입니다.(jinan bungi siljeogeul goryeohal ttae, maechuri kkujunhi jeunggahago inneun geoseuro boimnida.) - "Considering last quarter's performance, sales appear to be steadily increasing."
- 1Official Statements and Public Announcements: Government agencies, corporations, or organizations use this pattern to make statements that are factual and avoid definitive claims where some degree of inference is still involved.
현재 상황으로 미루어 볼 때, 회담이 성공적으로 마무리될 것으로 예상됩니다.(hyeonjae sanghwang-euro mirueo bol ttae, hoedami seonggongjeogeuro mamuridoel geoseuro yesangdoemnida.) - "Judging from the current situation, the talks are expected to conclude successfully." (Here,예상됩니다often replaces보입니다when implying an expectation, but the것으로clause sets up the formal inference).
- 1Technical or Scientific Explanations: When describing observable phenomena or experimental outcomes, this pattern helps maintain scientific impartiality.
현미경 관찰 결과, 세포가 활발하게 분열하고 있는 것으로 관측된다.(hyeonmigyeong gwanchal gyeolgwa, sepoga hwalbalhage bunyeolhago inneun geoseuro gwanchukdoenda.) - "As a result of microscopic observation, cells are observed to be actively dividing."
Common Mistakes
-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다, primarily stemming from misunderstanding its formality, the nuances of its various components, and its distinction from similar expressions.- 1Misusing Formality in Casual Settings: The most frequent mistake is using this pattern in everyday, informal conversations. Its inherent formality makes it sound stiff and unnatural among friends or family.
- Incorrect:
아, 피곤한 것으로 보입니다.(a, pigonhan geoseuro boimnida.) - (Said to a friend) "Ah, you appear to be tired." (Sounds like a robot or a news reporter addressing a friend). - Correct:
아, 피곤해 보여요.(a, pigonhae bopeoyo.) - "Ah, you look tired." (Casual) - Correct (Formal inference):
그의 핼쑥한 얼굴을 보니, 피곤한 것으로 보인다.(geuui haelssukhan eolgureul boni, pigonhan geoseuro boinda.) - "Seeing his pale face, he appears to be tired." (Appropriate for an objective report, not direct address).
- 1Confusing Present Adjective
-ㄴ/은with Past Verb-ㄴ/은: The-(으)ㄴform is used for present tense adjectives but past tense verbs in this construction. This can lead to confusion and incorrect tense interpretations.
예쁘다 (pretty)예쁜 것으로 보인다 (yeppeun geoseuro boinda) - "Appears to be pretty."떠나다 (to leave)떠난 것으로 보인다 (tteonan geoseuro boinda) - "Appears to have left."- Common Error: Assuming
떠난 것으로 보인다means "appears to be leaving" (present tense, incorrect interpretation for verbs). - Correct Verb Present:
떠나는 것으로 보인다(tteonaneun geoseuro boinda) - "Appears to be leaving."
- 1Using for Subjective Opinions or Hunches: This pattern is for objective inferences based on evidence, not personal feelings or gut instincts. If there's no data or observable fact,
~것 같다is more appropriate.
- Incorrect:
저는 이 영화가 재미있는 것으로 보입니다.(jeoneun i yeonghwaga jaemiittneun geoseuro boimnida.) - "I (objectively) appear to find this movie interesting." (This is illogical; liking a movie is subjective). - Correct:
저는 이 영화가 재미있는 것 같아요.(jeoneun i yeonghwaga jaemiittneun geot gatayo.) - "I think this movie is interesting." (Subjective opinion).
- 1Incorrectly Applying
-었/았던for Adjectives in Past Tense: While some might try to directly apply-(으)ㄴto past adjective stems, the more natural and common construction for past adjective states within this pattern involves-았/었/했던before것으로 보인다to clearly denote the past state.
- Awkward/Less natural:
바빴는 것으로 보인다.(Direct application of-는to past adjective바빴다). - Correct:
바빴던 것으로 보인다.(bappatteon geoseuro boinda.) - "Appears to have been busy."
- 1Confusing
보인다with보여요: While보여요(boyeoyo) is the polite form of보이다, it often carries a more general sense of "it looks like" or "I can see it."보인다is the plain form, typically used in written reports or when the subject doing the seeing is abstract (e.g., "it is seen"), contributing to the overall objective tone. In spoken formal contexts,보입니다(boimnida) is preferred over보여요.
이 그래프는 인구 감소 추세를 잘 보여요.(i geurapeuneun ingu gamso chusereul jal boyeoyo.) - "This graph clearly shows the trend of population decrease." (General observation)최근 통계에 따르면 인구 감소 현상이 심화되고 있는 것으로 보입니다.(choegeun tonggye-e ttareumyeon ingu gamso hyeonsangi simhwadoego inneun geoseuro boimnida.) - "According to recent statistics, the phenomenon of population decrease appears to be intensifying." (Formal inference based on data)
Real Conversations
While -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 is inherently formal and rarely used in casual spoken Korean, it is extensively used in formal spoken and written contexts that reflect "real" communication in professional, academic, and journalistic spheres. It is the language of reporting, analysis, and official discourse. Here are examples of how it functions in these specific, real-world formal settings:
1. News Broadcasts/Articles:
- 오늘 발표된 연구 결과에 따르면, 새로운 백신이 기존 바이러스 변이에도 효과적인 것으로 보입니다. (oneul balpyodoen yeongu gyeolgwa-e ttareumyeon, saeroun baeksin-i gijon baireoseu byeoni-edo hyogwajeogin geoseuro boimnida.) - "According to research results announced today, the new vaccine appears to be effective against existing virus variants as well." (Spoken by an anchor, or written in a news report)
- 현장 전문가들은 이번 지진으로 인한 피해가 예상보다 큰 것으로 보고 있다. (hyeonjang jeonmungadeureun ibeon jijineuro inhan pihga yesangboda keun geoseuro bogo itta.) - "On-site experts are reporting that the damage from this earthquake appears to be greater than expected." (Note 보고 있다 here, showing an ongoing formal assessment).
2. Academic Lectures/Presentations:
- 이러한 현상은 인구 고령화와 밀접한 관련이 있는 것으로 분석된다. (ireohan hyeonsangeun ingu goryeonghwa-wa miljeophan gwallyeoni inneun geoseuro bunseokdoenda.) - "This phenomenon is analyzed to be closely related to population aging." (Here 분석된다 "is analyzed" is another common formal ending in place of 보인다, but 것으로 retains the formal inference structure).
- 초기 연구 결과, 해당 물질이 암세포 성장을 억제하는 것으로 나타났다. (chogi yeongu gyeolgwa, haedang muljiri amsepo seongjang-eul eokjehaneun geoseuro natanatda.) - "Initial research results showed that the substance appears to inhibit cancer cell growth." (나타났다 "it was revealed" is another common formal ending).
3. Business Meetings/Reports (Spoken and Written):
- Team Lead to CEO: 이번 신제품에 대한 시장 반응이 긍정적인 것으로 판단됩니다. (ibeon sinjepum-e daehan sijang ban-eungi geungjeongjeogin geoseuro pandandoemnida.) - "Market response to this new product appears to be positive." (판단됩니다 "it is judged" is used here).
- Written Report Excerpt: 해외 시장 확대를 위한 전략이 효과적으로 작용하고 있는 것으로 평가된다. (haeoesijang hwakdaereul wihan jeonryagi hyogwajeogeuro jakyonghago inneun geoseuro pyeonggadoenda.) - "The strategy for expanding into overseas markets is evaluated as operating effectively." (평가된다 "is evaluated" is another variant).
These examples illustrate that "real conversations" for this grammar point occur within formal, specialized domains where precision, objectivity, and evidence-based statements are expected. It's the language of informed analysis, not casual chit-chat. The usage of plain forms like 보인다 or formal polite 보입니다 (or other formal verbs like 분석된다, 나타났다, 판단됩니다, 평가된다) depends on the specific medium (written academic paper vs. spoken news report).
Quick FAQ
-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 and ~것 같다?-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 denotes a formal, objective inference based on concrete evidence, data, or logical reasoning. It presents a conclusion as an observable fact. ~것 같다 (~geot gatda), on the other hand, expresses a subjective opinion, personal feeling, or a casual guess.비가 올 것 같아요 (biga ol geot gatayo) means "I think it's going to rain" (personal feeling/guess), while 비가 올 것으로 보입니다 (biga ol geoseuro boimnida) means "It appears that it will rain" (based on weather forecasts).보여요 instead of 보입니다 or 보인다?보여요 is a polite form of 보이다, it generally carries a more direct or visual "it looks like" or "I can see it" nuance and is less formal than 보입니다. For the formal inference conveyed by -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다, you should use 보입니다 in formal spoken contexts and 보인다 in formal written contexts (e.g., academic papers, newspaper headlines). Using 보여요 would lower the formality of the entire expression, making it sound less authoritative for this specific grammar pattern.보입니다 would be used instead of 보인다 to maintain politeness while preserving formality.-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 compare to -(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 (-(eu)n/neun moyangida)?-(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다 (~moyangida) is generally less formal and often based on immediate visual cues or direct observation, translating more to "it looks like" or "it seems to be (from what I can see)." It's still an inference, but usually a less structured or data-driven one. For example, seeing someone shiver, you might say 추운 모양이에요 (chuun moyangieyo) - "It looks like they're cold." This is based on a direct visual cue. -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보인다 is broader, more analytical, and can be based on abstract evidence like statistics or reports, not just immediate visual signs.-(으)ㄹ before 것으로 보인다. This is common for predictions or forecasts based on current data or trends.내년에도 경제 성장이 지속될 것으로 예상됩니다.(naenyeonedo gyeongje seongjangi jiseokdoel geoseuro yesangdoemnida.) - "It is expected that economic growth will continue next year." (Similar to "it appears that economic growth will continue").
보인다 in this structure?나타났다(natanatda) - "it was revealed/found that"분석된다(bunseokdoenda) - "it is analyzed that"평가된다(pyeonggadoenda) - "it is evaluated that"판단된다(pandandoenda) - "it is judged that"확인된다(hwagindoenda) - "it is confirmed that"
실험 결과, A 물질이 B 효과를 내는 것으로 나타났다 - "Experimental results showed that substance A produces effect B."). The core -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 structure remains the same, providing the backbone for formal, evidence-based reporting.Formation Table
| Tense | Verb Type | Structure |
|---|---|---|
|
Present
|
Action
|
-는 것으로 보인다
|
|
Present
|
Adjective
|
-ㄴ/은 것으로 보인다
|
|
Past
|
All
|
-ㄴ/은 것으로 보인다
|
|
Future
|
All
|
-을 것으로 보인다
|
Meanings
This structure is used to state a conclusion or inference based on observable evidence, often used in formal reports, news, or polite speech.
Evidence-based deduction
Concluding something based on visible facts.
“비가 올 것으로 보입니다.”
“그 회사는 내년에 성장할 것으로 보입니다.”
Polite opinion
Softening an opinion to sound less assertive.
“제 생각에는 이 방법이 더 좋을 것으로 보입니다.”
“그들은 이미 떠난 것으로 보입니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V/Adj + 것으로 보인다
|
비가 올 것으로 보입니다
|
|
Negative
|
V/Adj + 지 않을 것으로 보인다
|
비가 오지 않을 것으로 보입니다
|
|
Past
|
V/Adj + ㄴ/은 것으로 보인다
|
이미 끝난 것으로 보입니다
|
|
Future
|
V/Adj + 을 것으로 보인다
|
내일 도착할 것으로 보입니다
|
Formality Spectrum
프로젝트가 성공할 것으로 보입니다. (Business meeting)
프로젝트가 성공할 것으로 보여요. (Business meeting)
프로젝트가 성공할 것으로 보여. (Business meeting)
프로젝트 대박 날 듯. (Business meeting)
Inference Logic
Deduction
- -것으로 보인다 It appears that
Examples by Level
비가 올 것으로 보입니다.
It appears that it will rain.
그는 바쁜 것으로 보입니다.
He appears to be busy.
회의가 늦어질 것으로 보입니다.
It appears the meeting will be delayed.
이번 프로젝트는 성공할 것으로 보입니다.
This project appears likely to succeed.
정부의 정책이 변화할 것으로 보입니다.
It appears the government's policy will change.
이러한 현상은 사회적 갈등에서 비롯된 것으로 보입니다.
This phenomenon appears to stem from social conflict.
Easily Confused
Both express conjecture.
Both mean 'it looks like'.
Both indicate inference.
Common Mistakes
예쁜 것으로 보인다
예쁜 것으로 보인다
먹는 것으로 보인다
먹는 것으로 보인다
가다 것으로 보인다
간 것으로 보인다
좋다 것으로 보인다
좋은 것으로 보인다
비가 올 것 같다
비가 올 것으로 보인다
그는 간 것으로 보입니다
그는 간 것으로 보입니다
맛있는 것으로 보인다
맛있는 것으로 보인다
그것은 사실인 것으로 보인다
그것은 사실인 것으로 보인다
그가 말한 것으로 보인다
그가 말한 것으로 보인다
내일 비가 오는 것으로 보인다
내일 비가 올 것으로 보인다
그가 한 것으로 보입니다
그가 한 것으로 보입니다
그것은 좋은 것으로 보입니다
그것은 좋은 것으로 보입니다
그가 갈 것으로 보입니다
그가 갈 것으로 보입니다
그것이 된 것으로 보입니다
그것이 된 것으로 보입니다
Sentence Patterns
___이/가 ___할 것으로 보입니다.
그는 ___인 것으로 보입니다.
상황이 ___ 것으로 보입니다.
___이/가 ___할 것으로 보입니다.
Real World Usage
내일은 기온이 낮아질 것으로 보입니다.
이번 계약은 다음 주에 완료될 것으로 보입니다.
이 연구 결과는 새로운 가능성을 제시할 것으로 보입니다.
참석률이 저조할 것으로 보입니다.
이 제품은 인기를 끌 것으로 보입니다.
비행기가 연착될 것으로 보입니다.
Use for Objectivity
Avoid in Casual Speech
Combine with Data
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use this to sound objective.
Focus on the evidence.
Use formal endings.
Avoid personal pronouns.
Pronunciation
Linking
The '것' and '으로' are linked as [거스로].
Declarative
보입니다 ↘
Falling intonation for a statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '보인다' as 'visible'. If it's visible, it's a fact-based inference.
Visual Association
Imagine a detective looking through a magnifying glass at a clue. The clue is the '것', and the detective's conclusion is the '보인다'.
Rhyme
When you see the sign, use '것으로 보인다' to define the line.
Story
Detective Kim looked at the broken window. He saw footprints. He concluded, 'The thief entered through the window.' In Korean, he said, '도둑이 창문으로 들어온 것으로 보입니다.'
Word Web
Challenge
Look out your window and write 3 sentences using this grammar to describe what you see.
Cultural Notes
Using this shows respect and professionalism in Korea.
Essential for thesis writing to remain objective.
Standard phrase for weather and economy.
Derived from the verb '보다' (to see) and the noun '것' (thing).
Conversation Starters
내일 날씨가 어떨 것 같아요?
이번 시험 결과가 어떨 것 같아요?
그 사람이 왜 화가 난 것 같아요?
이 회사가 왜 성장하는 것 같아요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
비가 ___ 것으로 보입니다.
그는 바쁜 ___ 보입니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 간 것 같다 (Formal report).
내일 날씨가 좋을 것 같아요.
True or False?
A: 회의가 언제 끝날까요? B: ___.
것으로 / 보입니다 / 비가 / 올
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises비가 ___ 것으로 보입니다.
그는 바쁜 ___ 보입니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 간 것 같다 (Formal report).
내일 날씨가 좋을 것 같아요.
True or False?
A: 회의가 언제 끝날까요? B: ___.
것으로 / 보입니다 / 비가 / 올
Past tense form?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises단순한 실수____ 것으로 보인다.
이미 / 보인다 / 시작된 / 것으로
Translate the sentence using the academic hypothesis form.
Choose the future tense form:
내가 피곤한 것으로 보여요.
Match the following:
용의자가 도주____ 것으로 보인다.
Which sentence sounds like a TV news anchor?
것으로 / 보인다 / 다른 / 사실과
Use the word '감소하다' (to decrease).
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is better to avoid it. Use '-것 같아' instead.
Yes, it is inherently a formal structure.
Then use '-것 같다' or '-나 보다'.
Rarely. It is usually for observing others or situations.
No, '-는 모양이다' is more situational.
It is a particle combination indicating 'as a thing'.
Yes, '-ㄴ/은 것으로 보입니다'.
Using it for personal opinions instead of evidence.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Parece que...
Korean has a specific formal structure for objective evidence.
Il semble que...
Korean doesn't use subjunctive mood.
Es scheint, dass...
Korean structure is more formal.
〜ようだ
Register difference.
看起来...
Korean is more formal.
يبدو أن...
Arabic uses a verb-initial structure.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
