it can seem

USAGE SUMMARY

'it can seem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something appears to be true based on certain facts or evidence, even if it is not actually true. For example, "It can seem like the new school year will never end, but eventually it will."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SOMETIMES it can seem hopeless.

The Economist

But it can seem a remote prospect.

The Economist

Yet it can seem demeaning and unambitious.

The Economist

"But it can seem daunting.

The New York Times - Sports

It can seem forbidding at first.

Princeton University

Even invoking it can seem redundant nostalgia.

The Guardian

It can seem baffling to outsiders.

The Guardian

It can seem like it at times.

The Guardian - Travel

(It can seem a little ingrown).

The New York Times

Sometimes, it can seem like a trial by fire.

Yale University

Day to day, it can seem like Steele's school.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "it can seem" with a contrasting statement or explanation to provide a more complete picture. For instance: "It can seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, it becomes manageable".

Common error

Avoid using "it can seem" excessively without clarifying the actual situation or offering a counter-argument. Overuse can make your writing appear indecisive or lacking in conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can seem" functions as an introductory expression used to preface a statement that describes how something appears or is perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing. It often sets the stage for a subjective observation or a perspective that might not be entirely accurate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can seem" is a versatile expression used to introduce a perception or impression, often with the understanding that it may not be the complete or objective truth. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English. As evidenced by its frequent use in contexts like News & Media and Academia, "it can seem" serves to soften statements, acknowledge subjective viewpoints, and set the stage for further explanation or contrast. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and conviction in your writing. Alternatives like "it may appear" or "it might seem" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may appear

Changes 'can' to 'may', softening the assertion of possibility and shifting the focus slightly towards appearance.

it might seem

Replaces 'can' with 'might', suggesting a lower probability or a more tentative perception.

it could seem

Substitutes 'can' with 'could', indicating a potential but not definite appearance.

it appears to be

Uses a more formal structure, focusing on the apparent state of something.

it gives the impression

Emphasizes the creation of a particular feeling or idea in someone's mind.

it looks like

Offers a more visual and immediate sense of appearance.

it feels like

Shifts the focus to a subjective feeling or sensation.

it creates the illusion

Highlights the deceptive or unreal nature of the appearance.

it is seemingly

Emphasizes that something is the case according to appearances, though perhaps not in reality.

it has the earmarks of

Suggests something displays characteristics that lead one to a specific conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "it can seem" in a sentence?

"It can seem" is used to express an appearance or impression that may or may not be entirely accurate. For example, "It can seem like a difficult problem, but it's solvable with the right approach."

What are some alternatives to "it can seem"?

Alternatives include "it may appear", "it might seem", or "it appears to be" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it can seem"?

Yes, "it can seem" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express an impression or appearance. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "it can seem" and "it is"?

"It is" states a fact, while "it can seem" introduces a perception or impression that may not be entirely accurate. Using "it can seem" acknowledges a subjective viewpoint, whereas "it is" asserts a more objective truth.