doesn't seem right

USAGE SUMMARY

"doesn't seem right" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express your opinion when you feel that something is wrong or inappropriate. For example: "The way he treated her doesn't seem right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It doesn't seem right".

The New York Times

But that doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

Urbanity doesn't seem right.

The Guardian - Books

This doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

To me, this doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

That doesn't seem right, does it?

The New Yorker

But wait, something doesn't seem right.

The New Yorker

It simply doesn't seem right.

The Guardian - Sport

But it doesn't seem right".

The Guardian

Now it doesn't seem right".

The Guardian - Books

This just doesn't seem right.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doesn't seem right" to express a subjective feeling or intuition that something is wrong, rather than stating it as a definitive fact.

Common error

While versatile, "doesn't seem right" can sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language to articulate concerns or objections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't seem right" primarily functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a subjective assessment that something is incorrect, inappropriate, or questionable. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to convey a sense of unease or disagreement based on one's perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doesn't seem right" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to voice a subjective feeling that something is amiss. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, remember that in formal settings, more precise alternatives might be preferred. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in expressing doubt, concern, or disagreement, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels off

Focuses on the feeling or intuition that something is not quite right.

seems amiss

Indicates that something is out of place or not as it should be.

doesn't quite add up

Similar to "something's not adding up", but with a slightly different emphasis.

doesn't sit well

Emphasizes a feeling of discomfort or unease about something.

smells fishy

Suggests something is suspicious or questionable.

strikes me as odd

Highlights the speaker's perception of something as strange or peculiar.

appears questionable

Indicates doubt or uncertainty about the validity or appropriateness of something.

something's not adding up

Suggests that there are inconsistencies or discrepancies.

seems dubious

Similar to "appears questionable", but slightly more formal.

rings hollow

Indicates that something lacks sincerity or authenticity.

FAQs

How can I use "doesn't seem right" in a sentence?

You can use "doesn't seem right" to express a feeling that something is off or incorrect. For example, "The decision "doesn't seem right" to me because it could negatively impact our team."

What can I say instead of "doesn't seem right"?

Alternatives to "doesn't seem right" include "feels off", "seems amiss", or "doesn't sit well", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "doesn't seem right" too informal for professional writing?

While "doesn't seem right" is acceptable in many contexts, it may be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "appears questionable" or "seems dubious".

What's the difference between "doesn't seem right" and "doesn't feel right"?

While similar, "doesn't seem right" focuses more on a logical or reasoned assessment, while "doesn't feel right" emphasizes a gut feeling or intuition. The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.