as it would seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it would seem" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to express that something appears to be true based on the evidence presented. For example: "The old mine was abandoned decades ago, as it would seem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

This Russell took to be evidence that there is some ambiguity in the notion of a "class" so that the subclasses of the class of "all classes" would not themselves be among its members, as it would seem.

SEP

This leads me to my third insight: despite its growth, Russia is not yet as innovative as it would seem.

The Economist

A dollop goes a long way, so the price isn't as steep as it would seem.

The New York Times

However, this situation isn't as black and white as it would seem on the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the policy might not be as universally welcome as it would seem.

The Guardian

Cutting workers is not easy, and does not always save as much money as it would seem, city officials say.

The New York Times

"To sit and be silent would not seem eloquent or polite as much as it would seem complacent".

The New York Times - Style

It might be exploding egos or a wife/ girlfriend /boyfriend or, as it would seem in Charlotte's case, her parents.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Hands-free is not always as cool as hands-on, it would seem.

The New York Times

Just as staggering, it would seem, is the challenge of figuring out who owes what to whom.

The Economist

As such, it would seem, any reluctance on Jeremy Corbyn or anyone else's part to get bombing without delay would only make the world a more violent place.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as it would seem", consider whether a more direct statement of fact is appropriate. Overuse can weaken your writing; ensure it adds value by highlighting uncertainty or inference.

Common error

Avoid stacking "as it would seem" with other hedging phrases (e.g., "it seems that", "apparently") in the same sentence. This can make your writing sound overly cautious and indecisive. Choose the strongest and most concise way to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it would seem" functions as a hedging device, typically introducing a statement that is presented as likely or apparent, but not definitively confirmed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it would seem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce an inference or tentative conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various domains, notably news, science, and formal writing. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure it enhances rather than detracts from the clarity of your writing. Alternatives like "apparently" or "seemingly" can offer similar nuances. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, adding a touch of caution or tentativeness to assertions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparently

Directly states something appears to be true based on evidence.

ostensibly

Indicates something is presented as being true, but might not be.

seemingly

Implies something appears a certain way based on initial observation.

it appears that

A more direct and formal way to state an apparent truth.

it seems that

Similar to "it appears that", but slightly less formal.

on the face of it

Highlights what is evident at first glance.

to all appearances

Suggests something is true based on all available evidence.

by all accounts

Indicates widespread agreement about something.

if one were to judge by appearances

A more verbose way to express judgment based on outward signs.

from what one can gather

Suggests a conclusion based on collected information.

FAQs

How can I use "as it would seem" in a sentence?

Use "as it would seem" to introduce an inference or conclusion based on the available evidence. For example: "The project has stalled, "as it would seem", due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to "as it would seem"?

You can use alternatives like "apparently", "ostensibly", or "seemingly" to express a similar meaning.

Is "as it would seem" formal or informal?

"As it would seem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards a more neutral or formal register. The appropriateness depends on the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "as it would seem" and "it is obvious"?

"As it would seem" implies an inference based on observation, while "it is obvious" suggests something is immediately apparent and requires no further explanation. Using "as it would seem" allows for the possibility of error or alternative interpretations.