it does not seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not seem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about a situation or observation. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it does not seem that the theory holds true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not seem to be working.

The Economist

But it does not seem to now.

The Economist

But it does not seem threateningly radical.

The Economist

It does not seem quite real.

The Guardian - Arts

It does not seem to have happened.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it does not seem to matter.

The New York Times

Claire says it does not seem fair.

The Guardian

Yet it does not seem to be the case.

Independent

However, it does not seem that Aborigines bred dingoes selectively.

The New York Times - Science

It does not seem like they will sell".

The New York Times

So far, it does not seem to be working.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it does not seem" with a clarifying phrase to provide context. Example: "It does not seem that the new policy is effective, based on these initial results."

Common error

Avoid using "it does not seem" when you possess definitive proof to the contrary. The phrase implies uncertainty, so use stronger language when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not seem" functions as a hedge, softening a statement to indicate a lack of complete certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct phrase used to express doubt or a tentative conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it does not seem" serves as a valuable tool for expressing uncertainty, doubt, or tentative conclusions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, including News & Media and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, aim to provide clarifying context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. While suitable for neutral to formal contexts, be mindful of overstating certainty when definitive proof exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't appear to be

Uses "appear" instead of "seem", suggesting a visual or surface-level assessment.

it doesn't look like

More informal and direct, focusing on visual impression rather than reasoned judgment.

it is not apparent

More formal, emphasizing a lack of clear evidence or understanding.

it is not evident

Similar to "not apparent", highlighting a lack of obviousness.

it hardly seems

Emphasizes the unlikelihood or improbability of something.

it scarcely seems

Similar to "hardly seems", suggesting a minimal degree of likelihood.

it is unlikely that

Focuses on the probability of an event or situation.

it is doubtful that

Expresses a stronger sense of disbelief or skepticism.

one can't imagine

Implying that a situation is difficult to conceive or accept.

it defies expectation

Indicates a surprising or unexpected outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not seem" in a sentence?

Use "it does not seem" to express doubt or a lack of certainty about a situation. For instance, "It does not seem that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to saying "it does not seem"?

You can use alternatives like "it doesn't appear to be", "it doesn't look like", or "it is not apparent" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "it does not seem" or "it doesn't seem"?

"It does not seem" is slightly more formal than "it doesn't seem", but both are acceptable in most contexts. The contracted form is more common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "it does not seem" and "it seems not"?

"It does not seem" is the more common and natural phrasing. "It seems not" is grammatically correct but sounds archaic and is rarely used in modern English.