how does it seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how does it seem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about someone's perception or impression of a situation or object. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, how does it seem to you?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

How does it seem?

The Guardian - Books

On the day that the latest US GDP figures indicate a faltering, unsteady recovery how does it seem to her? "We're beginning to see people starting a new job, they don't have much of a track record, but are getting some sort of minor employment or part time work.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

How did it seem to her?

The New Yorker

How did it seem to change as you viewed it?

Harvard Business Review

By James Thurber The New Yorker, April 30 , 1932P. 15 Tell me, Mr. Thalberg, how did it seem to get back to New York after two months in Florida?" asked the lady at my right, who had mistaken me, because of a mumbled introduction, for Norma Shearer's husband, Irving Thalberg... View Article By Miranda Carter By Amos Barshad By Emily Nussbaum By Doreen St. Félix.

The New Yorker

By James Thurber The New Yorker, April 30 , 1932P. 15 Tell me, Mr. Thalberg, how did it seem to get back to New York after two months in Florida?" asked the lady at my right, who had mistaken me, because of a mumbled introduction, for Norma Shearer's husband, Irving Thalberg... View Article By Larissa MacFarquhar By Rivka Galchen By Blythe Roberson By Malcolm Gladwell.

The New Yorker

The work you saw Clinton pursuing on AIDS in Africa — how effective does it seem to be?

The New Yorker

So how long ago does it seem that there was so much hand-wringing over Woods' slump?

Los Angeles Times

This is how it seems to me: does it seem that way to you too?" — A.D. " 'Literchoor Is My Beat': A Life of James Laughlin, Publisher of New Directions" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), by Ian S. MacNiven, out November 18th.

The New Yorker

'I Don't Know How She Does It' seems stuck in the past.

The New York Times - Arts

"One of the things I really, really wanted to achieve was Group One, and how likely did it seem last year?" As for the future, Lady Cecil - whose husband was champion trainer 10 times but also endured notable racing lows - described herself as "quite a determined person", looking forward keenly to 2015.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone's opinion, follow up with specific questions to delve deeper into their reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "how does it seem" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "what is your assessment" or "what is your evaluation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how does it seem" functions as an interrogative expression, specifically used to elicit a subjective evaluation or impression from someone. It invites the recipient to share their perception of a situation, object, or idea. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how does it seem" is a grammatically correct and usable interrogative phrase employed to solicit someone's impression or opinion. Ludwig confirms its validity and identifies it as suitable for various contexts. While versatile, it's best used in neutral or informal settings, with more formal alternatives available for professional communication. Its function is primarily to gather feedback, and its usage patterns indicate a moderate frequency across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's your impression

Focuses on the overall impression rather than the specific appearance.

what's your take on it

Asks for an opinion or judgment.

what are your thoughts

Broader question asking for general thoughts.

how does it strike you

Emphasizes the initial impact or feeling.

how do you perceive it

Focuses on the way someone understands or interprets something.

what's your perspective

Seeks a specific viewpoint or angle.

what's your assessment

Requests a formal evaluation or judgment.

how does it come across

Focuses on the way something is presented or received.

what do you make of it

Asks for an interpretation or understanding.

what's your evaluation

Requests a systematic determination of merit, worth, or significance.

FAQs

What does "how does it seem" mean?

The phrase "how does it seem" is used to ask for someone's impression, opinion, or perception of something. It's a way to inquire about their immediate reaction or overall feeling regarding a particular situation, object, or idea.

What can I say instead of "how does it seem"?

You can use alternatives like "what's your impression", "what are your thoughts", or "how does it strike you" depending on the context.

Is "how does it seem to you?" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how does it seem to you?" is grammatically correct. The addition of "to you" simply clarifies that you are asking for the opinion of the person you are addressing.

When is it appropriate to use "how does it seem"?

It is appropriate to use "how does it seem" in informal and semi-formal settings when seeking someone's general impression or immediate reaction. It is less suitable for highly formal or technical contexts.