it seems almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems almost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or impression that something is nearly or seemingly true, but not definitively so. Example: "It seems almost certain that the event will be canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now, he says, "it seems almost hopeless".

The New York Times

It seems almost cruel".

The New York Times

"Now it seems almost routine".

The New York Times

In fact it seems almost imminent.

The Economist

These days, it seems almost radical.

The New Yorker

It seems almost terrified of democracy itself.

The New York Times

It seems almost Sisyphean, running in circles.

The New York Times

It seems almost irreverent — soba, slumming it.

The New York Times - Food

It seems almost preternaturally quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now it seems almost inevitable.

The Guardian

Now it seems almost eccentric.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "it seems almost". It works well when you want to express an impression or speculation based on available evidence, without committing to a firm conclusion.

Common error

While "it seems almost" can soften claims, overuse can make writing seem hesitant and lacking in confidence. Balance qualified statements with direct assertions to maintain a clear and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems almost" primarily functions as a qualifier, softening a statement to indicate a degree of uncertainty or approximation. It modifies the assertion that follows, suggesting that something is likely but not definitively confirmed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems almost" is a versatile phrase used to express a qualified opinion or observation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its common use in News & Media. When using "it seems almost", be mindful to prevent overuse in order to keep the strength of the message and to be aware of the subtle alternatives. The phrase functions as a qualifier. The phrase is particularly useful when expressing likelihood, without asserting a definitive conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears nearly

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "almost" with "nearly", slightly altering the tone but maintaining similar meaning.

it looks practically

Substitutes "seems" with "looks" and "almost" with "practically", focusing on visual appearance and practicality.

it feels virtually

Changes "seems" to "feels" and "almost" to "virtually", highlighting a sensed experience that is very close to reality.

it is very nearly

Rephrases the entire structure, emphasizing the closeness to a particular state or condition.

it is close to being

Indicates a proximity to a specific state or condition, often implying a gradual transition.

it is bordering on

Suggests that something is nearing a certain (often extreme) state or characteristic.

it is verging on

Similar to "bordering on", but can imply a slightly more negative or undesirable approach to a state.

it resembles closely

Focuses on similarity, indicating a strong likeness that is just short of being identical.

it approaches nearly

Implies that something is moving towards or getting closer to a specific condition or state.

it approximates closely

Indicates that something is nearly the same, but with a focus on estimations and approximations.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems almost" to express that something appears to be close to a certain state or condition, without being entirely sure. For example, "it seems almost certain that the project will be completed on time".

What's a formal alternative to "it seems almost"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "it appears nearly" or "it would seem that" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it better to say "it seems almost" or "it almost seems"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it seems almost" is more common and generally preferred. The word order in "it seems almost" flows more naturally in most sentences.

What can I say instead of "it seems almost" to express a high degree of likelihood?

To express a strong likelihood, you could use phrases like "it is virtually", "it is nearly", or "it is practically". These alternatives suggest a high level of certainty.