I seem to set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I seem to set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or belief about one's own actions or tendencies, often in a reflective or introspective context. Example: "I seem to set high standards for myself, which sometimes leads to unnecessary stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No, but I seem to set fiction in Ohio anyway.

The New Yorker

[ image: /photos/590953b2c14b3c606c10425a]No, but I seem to set fiction in Ohio anyway.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I enjoyed it and it made me think, but it hasn't changed the way I live, and nor did it seem to set out to do so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm a blackstar". It seems to set out his desire to be regarded as something beyond just a flash-in-the-pan fad, as Martin Amis wrong-headedly suggested Bowie was in a 1973 New Statesman piece.

The Guardian - Music

They always seem to set a car on fire.

Huffington Post

The name of the party, CISTA, stands for Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol, which seems to set two of the nation's favourite drugs in direct opposition to each other.

Vice

But others seemed to set budgets arbitrarily.

The New York Times

At $101, prudence seems to set in.

The New York Times - Style

Their clothes seemed to set the tone.

The New Yorker

Personally, I think it's a bad idea, because I seem to continuously set my own sleeve alight as I turn the cooker knob in the wrong direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

A friend of mine once observed that I seemed to be setting my movies and books at the corners of the country, so maybe after the Alaska movie, my next one will take place in Hawaii.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I seem to set", ensure the context clearly indicates a perceived or observed pattern in your own behavior. Use it when reflecting on a tendency rather than stating a conscious decision.

Common error

Avoid using "I seem to set" when you are consciously and deliberately establishing something. This phrase is better suited for describing patterns you've noticed rather than planned actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I seem to set" primarily functions as an introspective observation, where the speaker reflects on their perceived behavior or tendency. It indicates a recognition of a pattern, as supported by Ludwig AI highlighting the phrase's usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I seem to set" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing a perceived or observed pattern in one's own behavior, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is introspective observation and subjective assessment. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. To avoid misuse, reserve it for tendencies rather than deliberate actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I tend to establish

Focuses on a habitual action or pattern, emphasizing a consistent inclination.

I appear to create

Emphasizes the outward appearance of creating something, whether intentional or not.

I have a habit of setting

Highlights the repetitive nature of the setting action, implying a deeply ingrained behavior.

I'm inclined to put

Suggests a predisposition toward placing or positioning something in a specific way.

I'm prone to arrange

Implies a vulnerability or likelihood of arranging things in a particular manner.

I typically position

Focuses on the common or usual way of positioning or arranging something.

I habitually place

Underscores the routine and automatic nature of placing objects or ideas.

I'm apt to design

Suggests a natural tendency or skill in designing or planning something.

It looks like I arrange

Emphasizes the observed outcome of arranging things, rather than intentionality.

I often find myself putting

Highlights the passive experience of discovering oneself in the act of setting or placing.

FAQs

How can I use "I seem to set" in a sentence?

Use "I seem to set" to express a perceived pattern or tendency in your own actions. For instance, "I seem to set unrealistic expectations for myself."

What's a good alternative to "I seem to set"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "I tend to establish", or "I appear to create" can be suitable replacements.

Is it more accurate to say "I seem to set" or "I intentionally set"?

"I seem to set" implies a perceived or observed pattern, while "I intentionally set" indicates a deliberate action. The choice depends on whether you're describing a tendency or a conscious decision.

In what situations should I avoid using "I seem to set"?

Avoid using "I seem to set" when describing a one-time, deliberate action. It is best used to describe recurring patterns or tendencies you've noticed over time.