it first seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it first seems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing initial impressions or perceptions that may change upon further consideration or investigation. Example: "At first, it seems that the project will be easy, but there are many complexities involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is more composed than it first seems, and its arrangements preclude the possibility of numbing strings of solos.

The New York Times

And things could speed up: even the rosiest predictions underestimated Asia's ability to recover from its 1997 financial crisis.This shift is not as extraordinary as it first seems.

The Economist

But the issue is more complicated than it first seems.

The New York Times

Nothing is as slapdash as it first seems.

The New York Times - Food

It couldn't be less appropriate, or so it first seems.

The Guardian - Arts

And nowhere is quite as anonymous as it first seems.

The Guardian - Books

It can also create something that is far bigger than it first seems.

Harvard University

Fun throughout, but not quite the world-beater it first seems.

Independent

Many say Indian business culture, while beguiling, is less accessible that it first seems.

The Economist

Yet "Autobiography of Us" is more artful and less awkward than it first seems.

The New York Times - Books

Like lots of great pop songs, "Irreplaceable" isn't quite as resolute as it first seems.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it first seems" to introduce an idea that you intend to challenge or qualify later in your writing. This creates anticipation and encourages the reader to consider alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "it first seems" repeatedly without providing a contrasting viewpoint or further analysis. Ensure you follow up with a deeper explanation or alternative perspective to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it first seems" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, often used to present an initial perception or understanding of a situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is often followed by a contrasting view or further analysis. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in setting up expectations that are later revised or clarified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it first seems" is a versatile tool for introducing initial impressions that require further examination. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence in news, media, and academic contexts highlights its suitability for conveying complex information in an accessible manner. When using this phrase, ensure you provide a contrasting perspective or deeper analysis to fulfill the expectation it creates. Alternatives like "initially appears" or "at first glance" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember, while "it first seems" is a common and effective phrase, overuse without proper qualification can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it initially appears

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the appearance being at the beginning.

at first glance

Highlights the immediate, initial impression one gets.

it would seem at first

Adds a conditional element, suggesting the appearance is provisional.

it gives the initial impression

Focuses on the impression created rather than a direct observation.

on the surface it looks

Indicates a superficial assessment, implying deeper realities exist.

it ostensibly appears

Uses 'ostensibly' to suggest the appearance is presented as true, but may not be.

it seemingly presents

Focuses on how something is presented, implying a constructed appearance.

the initial perception is

Highlights the role of the perceiver and their initial understanding.

a cursory look suggests

Implies a quick, not very thorough examination leading to an initial conclusion.

the first impression indicates

Emphasizes that the indicator can change after the first impression

FAQs

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

The phrase "it first seems" is used to introduce an initial impression that may not be entirely accurate upon further consideration. For instance, "It first seems easy, but the project involves hidden complexities".

What are some alternatives to "it first seems"?

Alternatives include "initially appears", "at first glance", or "on the surface". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it seems at first" instead of "it first seems"?

While "it seems at first" is grammatically correct, "it first seems" is more common and idiomatic. "It first seems" emphasizes the initial impression more directly.

What's the difference between "it first seems" and "it appears"?

"It appears" is a more general statement of how something looks or seems. "It first seems" specifically indicates that this appearance is the initial one, implying that the reality might be different.