do they seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do they seem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about someone's perception or impression of a situation or person. Example: "Do they seem happy with the changes we've made to the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do they seem comfortable?

Independent

Do they seem confident?

The New York Times

Do they seem springy?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do they seem in control?

The Guardian

So why do they seem to be doing exactly that?

The New York Times

Why do they seem to have got out of control?

The Guardian

If wages reflect merit, why do they seem so arbitrary?

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither do they seem comfortable having more migrants here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or do they seem marginally more heroic, because, unlike us, they don't obey their parents?

The New Yorker

Or better yet, why do they seem to be playing scared?

The New York Times - Sports

Nor do they seem worried that it will impede their midterm election momentum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do they seem", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison or expectation. For example, "Do they seem happy with the project's progress?" provides a specific emotional state as a reference.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "do they seem" can weaken formal writing. In academic or professional contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "are they perceived as" or "are they considered", which add precision and authority to your inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do they seem" functions as an interrogative clause, used to elicit an opinion or assessment. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for asking about someone's perception or impression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

45%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do they seem" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to inquire about perceptions or impressions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's versatile, fitting both informal and professional contexts, although overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Alternatives like "do they appear" or "are they considered" can add precision. While predominantly found in news and media, and Wiki contexts, its straightforward nature makes it a valuable tool for gathering subjective viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do they appear

This alternative replaces "seem" with "appear", focusing on the visual aspect of perception.

do they look

This is a direct alternative, focusing on visual impression.

are they perceived

This phrase shifts the focus to how others view or understand them.

are they considered

This option focuses on evaluation and judgement by others.

do they strike you as

This phrase introduces a personal perspective, asking for someone's immediate impression.

what's your impression of them

This directly asks for someone's overall feeling or understanding of a person or situation.

what do you make of them

This seeks an interpretation or assessment of their actions or character.

how do they come across

This alternative focuses on the image or effect they project.

are they viewed as

This emphasizes the reception or reputation they hold.

how do they present themselves

This focuses on their self-portrayal and behavior.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do they seem" in formal contexts?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "are they perceived", "are they considered", or "how do they present themselves?" for a more professional tone. The phrase "are they perceived" focuses on how others view them, while "how do they present themselves" emphasizes their behavior.

What's a more direct way to ask about someone's impression instead of using "do they seem"?

You can directly ask "what's your impression of them?" or "what do you make of them?". Alternatively, using the phrase "do they appear" is a direct and simple way to ask the same question.

How does "do they seem" differ from "do they look"?

"Do they look" primarily concerns physical appearance, while "do they seem" involves a broader sense of perception, including behavior, mood, and overall impression. Using the phrase "do they look" focuses on visual aspects, whereas "do they seem" is more holistic.

Can "do they seem" be used in negative constructions?

Yes, you can use "do they seem" in negative constructions, such as "don't they seem" or "do they not seem", to express surprise or seek confirmation of a negative perception. For instance, "Don't they seem a bit tired today?".