but seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but seems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a perception or impression that may not be definitive or certain. Example: "The project is progressing well, but seems to be behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elaine's fifty-two but seems older.

The New Yorker

It's moderately interesting but seems artificial.

The New York Times - Arts

She's quirky, but seems comfortable with herself.

Independent

That would be sensational but seems unlikely.

The Guardian

He's 54 but seems much older.

The Guardian - Books

She is 37 but seems much younger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Marra is 28, but seems simultaneously older and younger.

The New York Times - Books

She won two lower-level races, but seems outclassed here.

The New York Times - Sports

France is favored, but seems weakened by internal discord.

The New York Times

It's undated but seems to be from the early 1950s.

The New York Times - Books

The UN advocates "listening" but seems to have selective hearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing "but seems"; in formal writing, alternatives like "but appears to be" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but seems" in formal or academic writing; opt for stronger, more direct statements where possible to enhance clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but seems" primarily functions as a qualifier or hedge, introducing an element of uncertainty or subjectivity to a statement. It implies a perception or impression rather than a definitive fact. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but seems" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a perception or qualified observation. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between "but seems" and more formal alternatives like "but appears to be". This expression is primarily used in News & Media and Science, offering a neutral tone that qualifies statements without asserting absolute certainty. It is a versatile tool for expressing nuanced judgments across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but appears to be

Replaces "seems" with "appears to be", offering a slightly more formal tone and emphasis on visual evidence.

but gives the impression of

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the perception, focusing on the impression created.

however, it suggests

Uses "suggests" instead of "seems", implying a hint or indirect indication.

yet it would appear

A more formal alternative, using "would appear" to convey a sense of considered judgment.

though it looks like

Uses "looks like" for a more informal and visual-oriented expression.

but it would seem that

A more elaborate and cautious way of expressing a perceived reality.

while it may appear

Introduces a sense of contrast, highlighting the possibility of a difference between appearance and reality.

although one might think

Implies a potential misconception or differing viewpoint.

nevertheless, it suggests

Uses "nevertheless" to create a stronger contrast and "suggests" to imply a hint or indirect indication.

but one gets the feeling

Focuses on the intuitive or emotional aspect of the perception.

FAQs

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

Use "but seems" to introduce a contrast or qualification, as in, "The project is on track, "but seems" to be slightly over budget."

What are some alternatives to "but seems"?

Alternatives include "but appears to be", "but gives the impression of", or "however it suggests", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but seems" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but seems" might be perceived as less formal. Consider using "but appears to be" or "however it suggests" in formal contexts.

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

"But seems" indicates a perception or impression, while "but is" asserts a fact. For example, "He looks tired, "but seems" happy" suggests an observation, while "He looks tired, but is happy" states a direct contradiction.