Seems like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems like" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when an opinion or an assumption is being expressed. For example: "It seems like the weather will be nice tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seems like a good bet.

The New York Times

"Seems like a good idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Seems like a bright idea.

The Economist

Seems like a weak link".

The New York Times - Tech

Seems like everybody here did.

The New York Times

Seems like he was right.

The New Yorker

Seems like a low bar.

The New York Times

Seems like it's doable, actually.

The New York Times

Seems like a million.

The New York Times

Seems like that would be a compliment".

The New York Times

Seems like work to me).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems like" to express an opinion or make an assumption based on available information, but avoid using it when stating definitive facts. It's best for situations where you want to convey a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "seems like" as it can make your argument sound less assertive. Opt for stronger verbs like "indicates", "suggests", or "demonstrates" to present your points more confidently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems like" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a statement and indicating that the speaker is expressing an opinion or making an assumption rather than stating a definitive fact. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seems like" is a versatile expression used to convey impressions, opinions, or assumptions based on available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While it's suitable for most general contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to maintain a more assertive tone. Remember to avoid overusing "seems like", and consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing alternative phrases to ensure the most accurate and effective communication. The contexts where you most probably find this expression in are "News & Media", as the data from Ludwig suggests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to be

Uses a more formal verb to indicate an appearance or impression.

gives the impression of

Emphasizes the subjective feeling or impression conveyed.

it would appear that

A more formal and tentative way of expressing an opinion.

it looks as if

Implies a visual assessment leading to a conclusion.

it strikes me that

Indicates a personal thought or feeling about something.

it suggests that

Implies an indirect indication or hint.

one might think that

Presents a possibility or potential conclusion.

it is my understanding that

Indicates a belief based on information received.

i gather that

Suggests collecting information that leads to a certain conclusion.

i have the feeling that

Conveys an intuitive sense or hunch.

FAQs

How can I use "seems like" in a sentence?

Use "seems like" to express an opinion or assumption based on the available evidence. For example, "It seems like it's going to rain today" indicates that you believe it will rain based on current conditions.

What are some alternatives to "seems like"?

You can use alternatives such as "appears to be", "suggests that", or "gives the impression of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "seems like" in formal writing?

While "seems like" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it would appear that" or "it suggests that" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "seems like" and "is like"?

"Seems like" implies an assumption or subjective assessment, while "is like" suggests a direct comparison or analogy. For instance, "It seems like a good idea" means you think it's potentially good, while "It is like a dream" means it resembles a dream.