as it seems

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it seems" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing an opinion to a reader that is based on the information available to you. For example: "According to the research, the defendant is guilty of the crime, as it seems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is as it seems.

The New York Times

As it seems he is.

The New Yorker

This says, "Nothing is as it seems".

The New York Times

Is it as good as it seems?

The Economist

Another said, "Nothing is as it seems".

The New York Times

Nothing is quite as it seems.

Independent

Naturally nothing is as it seems.

Independent

But everything is not as it seems.

The New Yorker

Nothing is as obvious as it seems.

The New York Times - Health

Nonsense isn't as crazy as it seems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's not as hard as it seems.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it seems" to introduce an observation or conclusion that may not be entirely certain or might be subject to change with new information.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "as it seems" in formal or academic writing. Instead, aim for more direct and assertive statements when the evidence supports a stronger conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it seems" functions as an evidential marker, signaling that the statement it introduces is based on available evidence but may not be definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, highlighting its use in expressing opinions based on accessible information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it seems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce statements based on available evidence, with a hint of tentativeness. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, noting its common application in expressing opinions. While versatile, it's best used when acknowledging uncertainty or the possibility of new information. Alternatives like "apparently" or "seemingly" can offer similar nuances. Across news, academic, and scientific sources, "as it seems" maintains a neutral register, making it a valuable tool for expressing informed yet cautious perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly

Highlights the appearance of something being a particular way.

apparently

Expresses that something is seemingly true based on available evidence.

so it would seem

Suggests a tentative agreement with an apparent situation.

on the face of it

Suggests an initial impression or understanding of a situation.

to all appearances

Emphasizes how something appears based on observation.

ostensibly

Indicates that something is presented or appears to be a certain way.

it would appear that

Formally indicates a conclusion based on available evidence.

by all accounts

Indicates that something is true based on multiple reports or opinions.

as far as one can tell

Suggests a conclusion based on the limits of one's knowledge.

from what one can gather

Expresses an understanding based on collected information.

FAQs

How can I use "as it seems" in a sentence?

Use "as it seems" to introduce a statement that reflects an apparent situation or preliminary conclusion based on available information. For example, "The project is progressing well, "as it seems", but further review is needed."

What are some alternatives to "as it seems"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "apparently", "seemingly", or "ostensibly" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "as it seems" or "as it appears"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between "as it seems" and "as it appears" often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "As it appears" might suggest a more visual assessment, while "as it seems" can refer to a broader impression.

When is it inappropriate to use "as it seems"?

Avoid using "as it seems" when you are presenting a confirmed fact or a definitive conclusion. The phrase is best suited for situations where there is an element of uncertainty or a need for further investigation. Using direct and assertive language is better when the evidence is very strong.