it may seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may seem" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something appears to be true, but may be mistaken. For example, "It may seem like you have plenty of time, but you should start studying for the exam now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may seem intimidating.

The New York Times

It may seem prosaic.

Independent

It may seem pleasant enough.

The New Yorker

Or so it may seem.

The Economist

It may seem radical and undemocratic.

The Economist

It may seem surprising, but these matter.

The Economist

It may seem messy; it is.

The New York Times

To the visitor it may seem picturesque.

Independent

It may seem a trivial point.

The New York Times - Sports

It may seem even fresher.

The New Yorker

Sure, it may seem stringent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may seem" to introduce a perspective that needs further clarification or qualification. This alerts the reader that the initial impression might not be the complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "it may seem" as a mere filler. Always follow it with a contrasting viewpoint or additional information to make the statement meaningful and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may seem" functions as a modal introductory phrase. It sets the stage for presenting information that might be perceived a certain way initially, but requires further examination or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may seem" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an apparent reality that requires further examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, it serves to prompt readers to question initial impressions and consider alternative viewpoints. When using "it may seem", ensure to provide context or a contrasting perspective to prevent ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "at first glance" or "on the face of it" to enhance clarity and formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at first glance

Signals an immediate impression that may require deeper investigation.

on the face of it

Indicates an initial assessment based on readily available information.

it appears to be

Focuses on the surface-level appearance, emphasizing a visual assessment.

it might look as though

Expresses a provisional judgment based on current evidence.

it gives the impression of

Emphasizes the subjective feeling or perception created.

it would appear that

More formal and tentative, suggesting a cautious interpretation of available evidence.

superficially, it looks like

Draws attention to a shallow or incomplete observation.

it could be argued that

Highlights a possibility that is open to debate and further discussion.

ostensibly

Highlights what is claimed or presented as true, potentially contrasting with underlying reality.

it has the semblance of

Suggests an outer appearance that imitates something genuine but may lack substance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it may seem" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it would appear that", "ostensibly", or "on the face of it".

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

"It is" states a fact or certainty, while "it may seem" suggests an appearance that might not be entirely accurate or complete. The former conveys conviction, the latter introduces doubt or nuance.

How to use "it may seem" in a sentence?

Begin with "it may seem", then add an adjective describing something, and finish your sentence with a comma followed by a counter-argument or alternative explanation. For example: "It may seem easy, but it requires a lot of practice."

What can I say instead of "it may seem"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "at first glance", "superficially, it looks like", or "it gives the impression of".