does not seem right

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not seem right" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express doubt or uncertainty about something. Here are some examples of when you might use it in a sentence: - "After reviewing the evidence, it does not seem right to convict the defendant." - "I've read through the contract and something about it just doesn't seem right." - "The figures in the report do not seem right, we will need to double check them." - "Her behavior towards me does not seem right, I think she may have a hidden agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The fit does not seem right.

The New York Times - Sports

It does not seem right, not a great look.

The Guardian - Sport

I think a confrontation is in order, but the soccer field does not seem right.

The New York Times

The forthcoming eviction might be technically fair, but it somehow does not seem right.

The New York Times

At any rate, the idea of Malone going elsewhere does not seem right.

The New York Times - Sports

On Zarate's potential availability for Chile, Vargas said: "The truth is that it is something that does not seem right.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It doesn't seem right".

The New York Times

That doesn't seem right, does it?

The New Yorker

To me, this doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

But that doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

But wait, something doesn't seem right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not seem right", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is questionable. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "does not seem right" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less authoritative. Opt for stronger, more direct language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not seem right" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a feeling or intuition that something is incorrect, inappropriate, or questionable. Ludwig's examples showcase its utility in conveying doubt across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not seem right" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of unease or doubt about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to scientific discussions, albeit with a more prominent presence in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the specific aspect you're questioning to avoid ambiguity. While acceptable in most contexts, stronger language may be more appropriate in formal writing to maintain authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't feel right

Focuses on the emotional or intuitive sense of something being wrong.

it feels wrong

Focuses on a personal or emotional sense of something being inappropriate or incorrect.

something's not quite right

Adds a degree of uncertainty and nuance to the feeling of something being wrong.

doesn't look right

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something appearing incorrect.

doesn't sound right

Highlights that something heard is questionable or incorrect.

something's amiss

A more concise way of saying that something is wrong or out of place.

seems off

A shorter and more informal way to express that something doesn't seem correct.

it doesn't add up

Suggests that the facts or details don't logically connect or make sense.

it raises concerns

Emphasizes that something creates worry or doubt.

it's questionable

Directly states that something is doubtful or uncertain.

FAQs

What does "does not seem right" mean?

The phrase "does not seem right" indicates that something appears incorrect, inappropriate, or questionable. It expresses a sense of doubt or unease about a situation or statement.

How can I use "does not seem right" in a sentence?

You can use "does not seem right" to express your reservations or concerns about something. For example, "The data in the report does not seem right, so we need to verify it."

What are some alternatives to "does not seem right"?

Alternatives include "doesn't feel right", "doesn't look right", or "something's amiss". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "does not seem right" formal or informal?

"Does not seem right" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from stronger or more precise language.