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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it doesn't seem right
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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.
Wiki
"It doesn't seem right".
News & Media
But it doesn't seem right".
News & Media
Now it doesn't seem right".
News & Media
It doesn't seem right somehow".
News & Media
It doesn't seem right, really".
News & Media
It doesn't seem right for the sport.
News & Media
It doesn't seem right, does it?
News & Media
If it doesn't seem right, put yourself in Goliath's shoes.
News & Media
It doesn't seem right, or like a fair, forthright fight.
News & Media
"It doesn't seem right that they don't get to stay".
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
It doesn't feel appropriate
Replaces "right" with "appropriate", focusing on the suitability of something.
It doesn't strike me as fair
Emphasizes the lack of fairness in a situation.
It feels wrong to me
Shifts the focus to personal feeling and moral judgment.
It doesn't sit well with me
Indicates a sense of discomfort or unease.
It doesn't seem just
Highlights the absence of justice or equity.
It doesn't add up
Suggests that something is illogical or inconsistent.
Something feels off about it
Implies that something is amiss or not quite right.
It raises a red flag
Indicates a potential problem or cause for concern.
It seems questionable
Expresses doubt or uncertainty about something.
I find it unsettling
Highlights the disturbing nature of something.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested