"It appears that + clause" creates an impression of impartial observation, often used for general statements where the source is not specified. "Subject + appears + to + infinitive" tends to focus more directly on the specific subject, making the observed perception seem more centered on the person or object in question. Both structures maintain a formal tone but can be used to highlight different aspects of the conveyed message .

Speakers use "seem" and "appear" to make statements sound less direct and more polite, creating a tone of uncertainty or politeness. This distancing language allows speakers to report information without asserting it as a definite fact, often to avoid potential conflict or to express information diplomatically .

"Apparently" is used to indicate that the speaker is relaying information that is believed by others but not necessarily verified personally. It introduces a level of ambiguity or doubt into the statement, signaling that the speaker does not fully commit to the truth of the assertion and instead is conveying commonly heard information .

Both "seem" and "appear" are used to convey a sense of perception that may not fully align with reality. "Seem" is often seen as more subjective and emotional, while "appear" might be interpreted as more factual or observational. Their use makes the statement less assertive and more tentative, allowing listeners some leeway in interpreting the information .

Phrases like "it is understood" or "it is believed" convey a sense of general recognition or common belief, implying that the information is accepted by many or thought to be true, without the speaker taking personal responsibility for it. This affects perceived certainty by leaving room for doubt, as it suggests the information might be based on hearsay or assumption rather than fact .

In professional settings, distancing language can effectively convey politeness, reduce the risk of confrontation, and allow for diplomatic communication when dealing with sensitive information. However, it may also lead to misunderstandings or a lack of clarity, as the indirectness can leave statements open to interpretation and may be perceived as evasiveness rather than politeness .

"According to" is used to attribute information to a source, making it clear that the statement is not the speaker's own. This can enhance credibility by specifying the origin, or might introduce doubt if the reliability of the source is questioned. The expression underscores dependence on the cited source for information, which can either bolster transparency or expose the speaker to scrutiny about the legitimacy of the source .

Common reporting verbs include say, believe, report, expect, think, understand, know, announce, claim, and agree. These verbs help create an impression of formality or indirectness by distancing the speaker from the content of the statement, implying that the information is widely accepted or comes from an external source rather than the speaker's own knowledge .

The passive construction "It is believed that..." positions the information as widely accepted or expected, rather than being presented as the speaker's own assertion. This can lend authority by implying consensus or tradition, while active constructions may tie the belief more closely to individual agents or groups, potentially reducing the generality of the claim. Thus, passive constructions can enhance the perceived legitimacy and universality of the statement .

In sentences using passive voice with reporting verbs, the subject receiving the action is emphasized (e.g., "She is said to be very rich") versus active voice where the doer is emphasized (e.g., "People say she is very rich"). The passive voice can make a statement sound more formal and distant, which is often preferable in formal contexts or when the speaker wants to downplay who is performing the action .