1. Data*: The normalized frequency of the construction "APPEAR to VERB" varies significantly across genres and time periods. Among genres, ACADEMIC texts show the highest frequency, followed by MAGAZINE and NEWSPAPER, while TV/MOVIES exhibit the lowest. BLOG, WEB-GENL, FICTION, and SPOKEN genres fall in the mid-range. Over time, the frequency declines from 1990-1994 to 2010-2014 but sharply increases in 2015-2019, reaching its highest point in the final period.

2. Possible explanation: The variation across genres likely reflects differences in communicative purpose and stylistic conventions. ACADEMIC texts favor this construction because it aligns with formal, nuanced expression, often used to present hypotheses or tentative conclusions. MAGAZINE and NEWSPAPER genres use it to convey reported observations or interpretations. In contrast, TV/MOVIES prioritize direct dialogue and action, making this construction less relevant. SPOKEN and FICTION genres, while less formal than academic writing, still employ it for narrative or conversational purposes. The temporal decline from 1990-2014 may reflect shifting stylistic preferences or the rise of alternative constructions, while the sharp increase in 2015-2019 could indicate a resurgence in its usage, possibly influenced by evolving linguistic norms or increased reliance on formal discourse in certain contexts.

3. Competing constructions: In genres and periods where "APPEAR to VERB" is less frequent, alternative constructions likely dominate. For example, TV/MOVIES might favor simpler expressions like "seems to" or direct statements (e.g., "looks like"). SPOKEN and FICTION genres may use informal equivalents such as "looks like" or "seems like." The temporal decline suggests possible competition from constructions like "seems to" or "looks like," which are more colloquial. The resurgence in 2015-2019 might indicate a decline in these alternatives or a renewed preference for formal, nuanced expression.