as they Seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they seem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something may not be as it appears or to indicate a perception that may differ from reality. Example: "The situation is more complex than it appears, as they seem to be handling it well on the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But things are rarely as they seem.

The Economist

Are they as resilient as they seem?

The New York Times

"Today, things aren't always as they seem".

The New York Times

Things are not as they seem, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

Things are never as good as they seem, or as bad as they seem.

The New York Times

Those facts are not as contradictory as they seem.

The New York Times

Things aren't quite as bad as they seem, though.

The New Yorker

But they are not as different as they seem.

The Economist

Things might not be as elementary as they seem.

The Economist

They are nowhere near as powerful as they seem.

Independent

And yet things aren't necessarily as hopeless as they seem.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they seem" to introduce a contrasting perspective or reveal a hidden reality. This phrase effectively sets up a comparison between initial impressions and a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "as they seem" in situations where the discrepancy between appearance and reality is trivial or self-evident. Reserve it for scenarios where the contrast offers significant insight or reveals a meaningful complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they seem" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the perceived state of something might differ from its actual state. It sets up a contrast, implying a need for deeper examination, which is supported by Ludwig and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they seem" is a versatile tool for expressing skepticism and inviting deeper analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse sources. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it is frequently employed in contexts where appearances may be deceiving or when contrasting perspectives are necessary. Remember to use this phrase when you want your audience to question the surface and consider underlying realities. Its high frequency and neutral register make it suitable for both formal and informal communication, as long as the context warrants a deeper level of scrutiny.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearances can be deceiving

This is a general statement on the unreliability of initial impressions.

things are not always what they appear to be

This phrase is a more verbose expression of the core idea, stressing the deceptive nature of appearances.

different from what appears

This phrase highlights the divergence between the superficial view and the actual state of affairs.

more complex than it seems

This alternative emphasizes the existence of hidden layers or intricate details not immediately obvious.

the truth is different

This bluntly asserts a discrepancy between an implied falsehood and the actual truth.

contrary to appearances

This alternative shifts the focus to directly opposing what is visually presented or initially perceived.

beneath the surface

This highlights hidden or not easily apparent aspects.

not as straightforward as it looks

This suggests a complexity beneath a simple or uncomplicated facade.

contrary to expectations

This alternative focuses on how the reality differs from what one might anticipate or predict.

underlying reality

This term pinpoints the true state of things, contrasting with superficial observations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as they seem" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "contrary to their appearance", "different from what appears", or "not as straightforward "as it looks"".

What does "as they seem" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "as they seem" suggests that the initial impression or appearance of something may not reflect its true nature or underlying reality. It invites the audience to consider a deeper or alternative perspective.

Is it always necessary to provide a contrasting statement after using "as they seem"?

While not grammatically required, it's best to clarify the contrasting reality after using "as they seem". Otherwise, the statement can feel incomplete. Providing that clarifying statement creates the intended effect to set up the contrast.

What's the difference between "as they seem" and "as they appear"?

While very similar, "as they seem" often implies a greater degree of potential deception or hidden complexity compared to "as they appear". The latter is generally a more neutral observation.