how it seems

USAGE SUMMARY

'how it seems' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use 'how it seems' to describe a subjective opinion of a situation. Example sentence: "From how it seems, they don't have any plans to change the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's how it seems anyway.

The Guardian - Music

That's how it seems to me, anyway.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That's how it seems to work.

The Guardian - Music

At least, that's how it seems to me.

Yale University

That's maybe just how it seems to the uninformed.

The Guardian - Opinion

How it seems to abandon us and how it returns.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

And that's how it seemed.

The New York Times - Sports

That's how it seemed to me.

Harvard Business Review

This is how it seemed to us.

The Guardian - Music

Everything had changed — that was how it seemed.

The New York Times

Maybe that's how it seemed from the press area.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how it seems" to introduce a subjective interpretation of events, ensuring clarity that the statement reflects a personal perspective.

Common error

Avoid presenting statements introduced by "how it seems" as definitive facts. Always frame such statements as opinions or interpretations open to other perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it seems" functions as a clause that introduces a subjective viewpoint or impression. It's often used to qualify a statement, indicating that the information is based on appearance rather than concrete evidence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in conveying opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how it seems" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a subjective perspective or impression based on available information. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. It is commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media, with a neutral register that makes it accessible to a broad audience. Remember to use it when expressing an opinion and avoid stating it as a definitive fact. Consider alternative phrases like "the way it appears" or "as far as one can tell" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the way it appears

Replaces "seems" with "appears", focusing on visual impression.

the impression given

Emphasizes the idea of creating an impression or perception.

as far as one can tell

Indicates a conclusion based on available information, acknowledging potential uncertainty.

from what is observable

Highlights that the judgment is based on direct observation.

to all appearances

A more formal way of saying "apparently" or "ostensibly".

on the face of it

Suggests an initial assessment before deeper investigation.

based on available evidence

Emphasizes the evidence that supports the conclusion.

what one can gather

Focuses on the process of collecting and interpreting information.

the perceived reality

Highlights that the understanding of a situation may be subjective.

the apparent situation

Indicates that the situation may not be exactly as it appears.

FAQs

How can I use "how it seems" in a sentence?

Use "how it seems" to introduce an observation or opinion based on available information, for example: "From "how it seems", they have no plans to change the policy."

What are some alternatives to "how it seems"?

You can use phrases such as "the way it appears", "as far as one can tell", or "on the face of it" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "how it seems" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "how it seems" may be more suitable for neutral to informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "to all appearances" or "based on available evidence" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "how it seems" and "how it is"?

"How it seems" implies a subjective perception, while "how it is" suggests an objective reality. Use "how it seems" when expressing an opinion or interpretation, not a confirmed fact.