he seems to

USAGE SUMMARY

'he seems to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have the impression that someone is doing, thinking, or feeling something. For example, "He seems to be angry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seems to.

The New York Times - Arts

He seems to grimace.

The New York Times

He seems to have overreached.

The Economist

He seems to like that.

The New York Times - Sports

He seems to understand this.

The New York Times

He seems to have forgotten.

The New York Times

He seems to know everybody.

The New Yorker

He seems to have allies.

The Economist

"He seems to have stopped".

The New Yorker

He seems to be, too.

The New York Times

He seems to have managed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "he seems to" with a verb in its base form (e.g., "He seems to know", "He seems to understand").

Common error

Be careful not to use "he seems to" when you have concrete evidence. If you know something for sure, a direct statement is more appropriate and effective. "He seems to be the culprit" is appropriate if you suspect him but are not certain. "He is the culprit" if you are sure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he seems to" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by indicating that it is based on an impression rather than a confirmed fact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he seems to" is a versatile phrase used to express an impression or tentative observation. It's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. Use it to convey a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity, softening the impact of your statement. Remember Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its use across a wide range of sources, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears he is

Changes the verb from "seems" to "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it would seem he is

Adds a conditional element, suggesting a tentative conclusion.

the impression is that he is

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the perception.

he comes across as

Indicates how someone is perceived by others.

one might think he is

Introduces a sense of speculation or possibility.

he gives the impression of being

Focuses on the outward presentation of the individual.

he strikes one as being

Highlights the immediate feeling or judgment formed.

it's my understanding that he is

Indicates a degree of uncertainty based on gathered information.

i gather he is

Implies that the conclusion is drawn from indirect evidence.

i infer that he is

Expresses a conclusion reached through reasoning and deduction.

FAQs

How can I use "he seems to" in a sentence?

Use "he seems to" to express an impression or observation about someone's state or action. For example, "He seems to be enjoying himself", indicating you observe him having a good time.

What does "he seems to" imply?

The phrase "he seems to" suggests that the statement is based on an observation or impression, rather than concrete knowledge. It indicates a level of uncertainty or subjectivity.

What are some alternatives to "he seems to"?

Alternatives include "it appears he is", "he comes across as", or "the impression is that he is". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he seems to be" or "he seems to"?

Both are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "He seems to be" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action or state, while "he seems to" is more general. For example, "He seems to be working hard" versus "He seems to understand the problem".