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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it doesn't seem right

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Change it if it says its incorrect, if it doesn't seem right check with someone who knows English as a profession.

"It doesn't seem right".

News & Media

The New York Times

But it doesn't seem right".

News & Media

The Guardian

Now it doesn't seem right".

It doesn't seem right somehow".

It doesn't seem right, really".

It doesn't seem right for the sport.

It doesn't seem right, does it?

If it doesn't seem right, put yourself in Goliath's shoes.

It doesn't seem right, or like a fair, forthright fight.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It doesn't seem right that they don't get to stay".

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it doesn't seem right" to express a subjective feeling of something being off or inappropriate, rather than stating an objective fact. This phrase carries an emotional weight, use it wisely.

Common error

Avoid using "it doesn't seem right" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and objective language to convey your concerns or doubts.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it doesn't seem right" functions primarily as an evaluative expression, conveying a subjective judgment or feeling about a situation. It indicates that something appears to be incorrect, unfair, or inappropriate, based on personal perception or intuition, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it doesn't seem right" is a commonly used phrase to express a subjective feeling that something is amiss or inappropriate. Ludwig's analysis shows it functions as an evaluative expression used to express disapproval, doubt, or concern and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it may be less suitable for formal or academic writing, where more precise and objective language might be preferred. Ludwig AI's findings confirm its widespread use and acceptability in general communication.

FAQs

What does "it doesn't seem right" mean?

The phrase "it doesn't seem right" expresses a subjective feeling that something is wrong, unfair, or inappropriate. It suggests a sense of unease or discomfort about a situation.

What can I say instead of "it doesn't seem right"?

You can use alternatives like "it doesn't feel appropriate", "it doesn't strike me as fair", or "something feels off about it", depending on the context.

Is "it doesn't seem right" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it doesn't seem right" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it doesn't seem right"?

This phrase is suitable for expressing a personal opinion or feeling of unease. It's often used in situations where something feels intuitively wrong, even if there's no concrete evidence to support that feeling.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: