it seem unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seem unlikely" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something is not probable or likely to happen. For example: "Given the current circumstances, it seems unlikely that the project will be completed on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Not only did it seem unlikely, it seemed improbable.

The New York Times

This fact makes it seem unlikely that methane could have persisted long enough to have caused an equable climate.

Harvard University

This finding made it seem unlikely that DNA from the unaffected parent was contributing to the expanded repeats.

Stanford University

But every indication from the mayor and New York's economic indicators makes it seem unlikely.

The New York Times - Arts

But the chaos at the border made it seem unlikely the woman and her middle-aged son would be united.

The Guardian

And maybe the large scalloped ears, so large as to make it seem unlikely Burns would ever require a hearing device.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It seemed unlikely.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seems unlikely, then.

Independent

But it seems unlikely.

The Economist

It seemed unlikely then.

The New York Times

Still, it seemed unlikely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form "it seems unlikely" or "it seemed unlikely" to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the ungrammatical "it seem unlikely". Remember that "it" is a singular subject, and therefore requires the singular verb form "seems" or "seemed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seem unlikely" functions as an expression of improbability or low likelihood. Although grammatically incorrect, based on Ludwig, the phrase still serves to convey uncertainty and doubt regarding a potential outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it seem unlikely" appears with some frequency in various sources including news, academic, and scientific contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it seems unlikely" or "it seemed unlikely". Despite the error, Ludwig data indicates the phrase is commonly used to express doubt or low probability. It's recommended to use the grammatically correct versions for clarity and to maintain credibility in formal writing. Some alternatives include "it is doubtful" or "the odds are against it". While Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is frequently used, remember to prefer correct grammar for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not likely

Uses a simpler and more direct construction to express the same lack of probability.

it is doubtful

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of conviction regarding the possibility.

it is questionable

Highlights the uncertainty and raises doubts about the likelihood.

it appears improbable

Replaces "seem unlikely" with a more formal synonym, "improbable", altering the tone slightly.

chances are slim

Uses a succinct phrase to communicate a low likelihood of something happening.

it doesn't appear feasible

Focuses on the practicality and possibility of achieving something.

the prospect is remote

Indicates a very low probability due to distance or separation.

the odds are against it

Introduces a metaphorical expression referring to unfavorable probabilities.

it defies expectation

Suggests that something is not expected based on current knowledge.

it's a long shot

Employs an informal idiom to suggest a low chance of success or occurrence.

FAQs

What is the correct way to phrase "it seem unlikely"?

The grammatically correct ways to phrase it are "it seems unlikely" (present tense) or "it seemed unlikely" (past tense).

What does "it seems unlikely" mean?

It means that something is improbable or not likely to happen. You can also use alternatives like "it is doubtful" or "it is not likely".

Which is correct, "it seem unlikely" or "it seems unlikely"?

"It seems unlikely" is the correct form. "It seem unlikely" is grammatically incorrect due to subject-verb disagreement.

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

You can use it to express doubt or low probability about a situation. For example: "Given the current circumstances, "it seems unlikely" that we will meet our deadline."