it seems

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when making an observation or commenting on a situation. For example: "It seems that the economy is slowly recovering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems totally indecent.

Independent

Not long, it seems.

The New York Times

It seems absurd".

The New York Times

It seems implausibly idyllic".

Independent

Not immediately, it seems.

The Guardian - Money

It seems rather harsh.

The Economist

No, it seems not.

The Guardian

"It seems cleaner".

The New York Times

"It seems quite arcane".

The New York Times

Not Canada, it seems.

The Economist

It seems to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems" to introduce an observation or deduction that is not presented as a definitive fact. It adds a layer of nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "it seems", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems" functions as an introductory phrase, modifying the statement that follows. It softens assertions and indicates that the speaker or writer is presenting an observation or conclusion based on available evidence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems" is a versatile phrase used to introduce observations or tentative conclusions, adding a nuance of uncertainty to statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register suitable for a wide audience. While it's valuable for softening assertions, be mindful of overuse. Vary sentence structure for more engaging prose. Overall, the use of "it seems" is encouraged to add a nuanced tone to the discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears

Suggests something is evident based on observation, slightly more formal.

it would seem

Implies a conclusion based on available information, more tentative.

it looks like

Indicates a visual impression or expectation, more informal.

it seems likely

Adds a degree of probability or expectation.

it may be

Expresses a possibility or uncertainty about something.

one might think

Introduces a thought or opinion that someone could have.

as far as one can tell

Highlights the limits of one's knowledge or perception.

from what I can see

Indicates that a conclusion is based on personal observation.

to all appearances

Emphasizes that things seem a certain way based on outward signs.

if I'm not mistaken

Introduces a statement with a disclaimer about potential inaccuracy.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems" to introduce an observation or tentative conclusion. For example, "It seems that the project is nearing completion".

What are some alternatives to "it seems"?

Alternatives include "it appears", "it would seem", or "it looks like". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "it seems"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "it seems". It is a common way to introduce an observation or a tentative conclusion.

What's the difference between "it seems" and "it is"?

"It seems" implies a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity, while "it is" presents something as a factual statement. Using "it seems" acknowledges that your statement is based on your perception or available information, not necessarily on definitive proof.