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 appears a certain way, often implying that the reality may be different. Example: "The situation is not as they seem; there are underlying issues that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

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 contrast between an initial impression and a deeper reality. This adds depth and intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "things aren't as they seem" without explaining how they differ. Always provide context or examples to support your statement and make it meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they seem" functions as a qualifier, introducing an element of doubt or contrast regarding an initial impression or perception. It often precedes a statement that reveals a different or more complex reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to express that something appears a certain way, often implying the reality may be different.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they seem" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language. Grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, it introduces a contrast between appearance and reality. Ludwig, as reflected in Ludwig AI analysis, confirms its primary function as a qualifier that signals potential deception or hidden meanings. While commonly found in News & Media, its neutral register allows for use in professional, academic, and informal settings. To maximize impact, avoid using the phrase without providing specific examples or context to support your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they appear

Changes the verb to "appear", emphasizing the visual or surface-level aspect.

as it appears

Shifts the focus to a singular, general appearance rather than a plural subject.

as they look

Replaces "seem" with "look", focusing on the visual impression.

contrary to appearances

Uses a more formal tone to highlight the difference between appearance and reality.

things aren't always as they seem

Adds a more explicit statement that appearances can be deceiving.

more than meets the eye

An idiomatic expression indicating hidden complexities.

beneath the surface

Suggests that the true nature of something is not immediately obvious.

what you see is not always what you get

An informal way of saying that the reality differs from the expectation.

appearances can be deceiving

A common proverb warning against judging by outward appearances.

things are not always as straightforward as they seem

Emphasizes the complexity and potential for hidden issues.

FAQs

How can I use "as they seem" in a sentence?

Use "as they seem" to indicate that the apparent nature of something might be misleading. For example, "The problems are not as severe "as they seem"; there are solutions available".

What's a good alternative to "as they seem"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as they appear", "as they look", or "contrary to appearances" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as they seems" instead of "as they seem"?

No, "as they seems" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "as they seem", as "seem" should agree with the plural pronoun "they".

What does it mean when someone says "things aren't always as they seem"?

It means that the true nature of a situation, person, or object is often different from what is initially perceived. It suggests looking beyond surface appearances.