"appears to" vs "appears to be"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Which of the following sentences sounds better / formal? If possible, please add a bit of explanation to your answer.
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  1. Another sportsman who appears to successfully solve a geometrical problem is a rugby kicker.

  2. Another sportsman who appears to be successfully solving a geometrical problem is a rugby kicker.

Thanks,

MG

2
  1. This refers to a general habit. Each time he kicks, he is solving the problem.
  2. This sounds not nearly as natural. You seem to be referring to something going on right now - he is successfully solving it as we watch - but you use “a” rugby kicker, so you’re not talking about a particular one (the one we’re watching" after all.

I would prefer it if it said “Another TYPE OF sportsman who must solve geometry problems to be successful is a rugby kicker.”

3

Barb_D,

Thanks.