it seems actually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems actually" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
You can use it when you want to express a sense of realization or confirmation, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it seems actually that the initial conclusion was incorrect."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Except, it seems, actually shrinking the state.

The Economist

It seems, actually, particularly necessary for the playwright because they are fighting, more than most other artistic media, against time.

The Guardian

Sleeper trains occupy a romantic corner of travellers' souls.But we are not quite fond enough of them, it seems, actually to ride them.

The Economist

The engines appear to run, or idle, but they are, it seems, actually powered electrically, through wires running from the ceiling.

The New York Times

Tisch, it seems, actually gave money to the embattled Claire McCaskill — the Missouri Senator who's running against the wingnut who said raped women generally won't get pregnant.

The New Yorker

"It seems actually a little tame to me," said W. C. Jameson, a 67-year-old Texan who spent most of his life searching for and writing about treasure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It seemed, actually, like he might be capable of stepping outside of libertarian principles and becoming a national leader of some importance.

Huffington Post

It's not as daft an idea as it at first seems, actually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our democracy, it would seem, actually works pretty well.

The Economist

however, I realize the media context of it is what seemed actually most scary.

Huffington Post

Not so, it seems … Actually, I think the company is being disingenuous here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using stronger or more concise alternatives like "it appears that" or "it seems that" for clearer and more impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems actually" excessively in formal contexts, as it can sound redundant. Opt for a more direct and confident statement to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems actually" functions as an epistemic phrase, indicating the speaker's assessment of the truth or likelihood of a situation. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase is often used to express a conclusion drawn from evidence or observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems actually" serves to express a realized observation or confirmed belief. While grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat awkward or redundant, as Ludwig AI highlights. Therefore, it's advisable to consider clearer alternatives like "it appears that" for stronger writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Though not incorrect, using "it seems actually" requires careful consideration of tone and conciseness to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears in fact

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "actually" with "in fact", slightly formalizing the tone.

in reality it seems

Inverts the structure, placing "in reality" at the beginning for emphasis.

it would seem in reality

Replaces "actually" with "in reality", adding a layer of contrast or unexpectedness.

it seems in truth

Substitutes "actually" with "in truth", suggesting a revelation of the real situation.

it turns out in reality

Emphasizes the discovery aspect more strongly than "it seems actually".

it seems indeed

Replaces "actually" with "indeed" for a more emphatic confirmation.

it appears to be the case in fact

Formalizes the expression with "appears to be the case" and uses "in fact" for emphasis.

it appears in effect

Suggests the impression given is also the ultimate outcome.

it would seem in practice

Highlights a contrast between theory and practical observation.

it looks like in practice

Similar meaning to "it would seem in practice" but used in more informal situations.

FAQs

What does "it seems actually" mean?

The phrase "it seems actually" implies a sense of realization or confirmation about something. It suggests that something is not just apparent, but demonstrably true after consideration.

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

You can use "it seems actually" to express a slightly surprised or emphasized observation. For instance, "After reviewing the data, "it seems actually" that the initial hypothesis was incorrect."

Are there alternatives to "it seems actually"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "it appears that", "it seems that", or "in reality it seems" to convey a similar meaning with potentially greater clarity.

Is "it seems actually" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "it seems actually" can sometimes sound awkward or redundant. It's often more effective to use a more concise phrase like "it appears in fact" or "it would seem in reality" for improved clarity and impact.