I wrote this:
Sara studies him trying to figure out if he's drunk. It doesn't appear so.
1) Is "it doesn't appear so" correct here?
2) Is it considered very formal or just slightly formal?
Thanks.
anonymous1) Is "it doesn't appear so" correct here?
Yes.
anonymous2) Is it considered very formal or just slightly formal?
Slightly formal. "It doesn't seem so" is a notch down from there. This is an opportunity to develop Sara's character by choosing the way you express what she's thinking. "It doesn't appear so" makes her classy. "Nah" makes her trashy.