This pattern is used to express a likeness or supposed condition as in the English "it seems to be".

- used with any verb
- can be preceded by any modifier suffix (-ㄴ/은, -는, -ㄹ/을)
- the subject of the sentence containing this pattern is usually in the third person
- is similar to -듯하다

Examples:
비가 온 모양입니다./It seems that it rained.
비가 오는 모양이에요./It seems to be raining.
비가 올 모양입니다./It seems like it will rain.


see also 보이다