It would seem that

USAGE SUMMARY

"It would seem that" is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express a conclusion or opinion that has been formed based on evidence or reasoning. Example: It would seem that the city is taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It would seem that way, Hex.

The New York Times

"It would seem that Holden Caulfield is copyrighted," she said.

The New York Times

"It would seem that Holden Caulfield is copyrighted".

The New York Times

It would seem that CNN/ORC/Time is an outlier.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would seem that is not a total coincidence.

The Guardian - Sport

It would seem that Netanyahu has pulled off a threefer.

The New Yorker

It would seem that Americans are conflicted about that role, at least in this case.

The New York Times

It would seem that Sharron Angle is running for a House seat in Nevada.

The New York Times

It would seem that Query b solves this issue.

Journal of Cheminformatics

It would seem that Sutcliff was right after all.

BBC

It would seem that LocalGlobe isn't standing still either.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It would seem that" to introduce a conclusion or inference based on available information, especially when certainty is not guaranteed. This phrasing is particularly useful when summarizing observations or presenting a reasoned opinion.

Common error

While "It would seem that" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "it seems" or "it appears".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It would seem that" functions as an epistemic phrase, expressing a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness in making a claim. It softens the assertion, indicating that the speaker or writer is drawing a conclusion based on available evidence but is not entirely certain. Ludwig shows examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It would seem that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce conclusions or inferences with a degree of tentativeness. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for various contexts, it's more common in formal and neutral settings such as news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. Ludwig provides numerous examples that illustrate its proper usage. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "it seems that" or "it appears that". Ludwig AI considers this a versatile sentence, used to express conclusions or opinions based on evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It appears that

This alternative is more direct and suggests a clearer observation leading to the conclusion.

It seems that

This is a more concise and common alternative, suitable for most contexts.

It is apparent that

This alternative emphasizes the obviousness of the conclusion.

One might infer that

This alternative suggests a more thoughtful and reasoned deduction.

It is reasonable to assume that

This alternative introduces a degree of uncertainty and emphasizes the logic behind the assumption.

The evidence suggests that

This alternative directly highlights the role of evidence in forming the conclusion.

It can be concluded that

This alternative emphasizes the formal conclusion drawn from presented information.

As far as one can tell

This alternative indicates reliance on personal observation and a degree of uncertainty.

From what we can gather

This suggests the conclusion is based on a collection of information from various sources.

It's likely that

This alternative indicates probability rather than certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "It would seem that" in a sentence?

You can use "It would seem that" to introduce a conclusion or inference. For example, "It would seem that the negotiations have stalled, given the lack of recent progress reports."

What are some alternatives to "It would seem that"?

Alternatives include "it appears that", "it seems that", or "it is apparent that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

Is "It would seem that" formal or informal?

"It would seem that" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but simpler phrases like "it seems" may be preferable in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "It would seem that" and "It seems that"?

The difference is subtle. "It would seem that" implies a more considered judgment based on available evidence, while "it seems that" is a more general observation. Both are often interchangeable.