Seem reliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Seem reliable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an impression or perception about the reliability of something or someone. Example: "The information provided by the source seems reliable, but I will verify it before making any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They also seem reliable.

The Economist

Cumulative errors in the model water balance created uncertainty about the accuracy of the results, however, the general trends seem reliable.

Environmental Modelling & Software

Companies shifted their focus from the space business, which has thin profit margins and is subject to the capriciousness of politics, making even the commercial jet business seem reliable by comparison.

The New York Times

Those results seem reliable since they echo a CBS News poll (57% said torture could help prevent terrorist attacks) and also a Washington Post-ABC News poll (53% said the CIA's interrogation did "produce important information that could not have been obtained any other way").

The Guardian

We saw some numbers a day or two ago but the source didn't seem reliable — these seem a little more trustworthy.

TechCrunch

An artificial voice that sounds male, but uses female-sounding phrases, won't seem reliable to the human speaking to it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The experts said his information seemed reliable and significant.

The New York Times

In experiments with the iPhone 4S, the system seemed reliable and comparable to home spirometry tests.

MIT Technology Review

When Hamza first started working with him, Albright told me, his information seemed reliable.

The New Yorker

Despite these caveats, Miller reported that "experts said the information seemed reliable and significant".

The New Yorker

Still, slips and vagaries aside, there is a great deal of information here that generally seems reliable on its surface.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing information, use "seem reliable" to indicate an initial assessment that something appears trustworthy but may require further verification. For instance, "The data presented in the report "seem reliable", but we should still cross-reference it with other sources."

Common error

Avoid treating something that "seem reliable" as definitively trustworthy without thorough investigation. Initial appearances can be deceptive, so always verify information from multiple sources before making firm conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem reliable" functions as a descriptive expression, often used to qualify a noun or idea. It expresses a preliminary assessment of something's trustworthiness, indicating that it gives an impression of reliability based on available information. As Ludwig AI highlights, this assessment often requires further validation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem reliable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something appears trustworthy based on initial assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to convey a tentative judgment, often requiring further verification. This phrase is commonly found in science and news media, reflecting its neutral register and widespread applicability. When using "seem reliable", it's crucial to remember that it signals an initial impression rather than a confirmed fact, advising caution against over-reliance without proper validation. Remember to consider alternatives like "appear trustworthy" or "sound credible" depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appear trustworthy

Focuses on the outward appearance of reliability.

Look dependable

Emphasizes the visual impression of being dependable.

Seem credible

Highlights the believability factor.

Sound credible

Highlights the believability of something heard.

Strike as authentic

Emphasizes a feeling of genuineness and reliability.

Feel trustworthy

Highlights the emotional sense of trust.

Evince dependability

Stresses the demonstration of dependability.

Present as reliable

Focuses on the manner in which something is presented.

Come across as trustworthy

Emphasizes the impression made on others.

Give the impression of being reliable

Focuses on the impression conveyed.

FAQs

How can I use "seem reliable" in a sentence?

You can use "seem reliable" to describe information, sources, or even people that initially appear trustworthy. For example, "The witness's testimony "seemed reliable", but we need to corroborate it with other evidence."

What are some alternatives to "seem reliable"?

Alternatives include "appear trustworthy", "sound credible", or "look dependable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "seem reliable" or "is reliable"?

"Seem reliable" indicates an initial impression, whereas "is reliable" implies confirmed trustworthiness. Use "seem reliable" when you have not yet fully verified the reliability.

What's the difference between "seem reliable" and "appear reliable"?

Both "seem reliable" and "appear reliable" are similar, but "seem" often suggests a judgment based on more evidence or intuition than "appear". They are largely interchangeable, however.