it seems bad

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems bad" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express your opinion of a particular situation. For example, "I heard they are closing the local library. It seems bad that the community will no longer have access to books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sometimes, it seems, bad impressions count.

The Economist

"It seems bad at first sight," he said, making a shaky start.

The Guardian - Sport

Everywhere in America, it seems, bad guys are getting away with bad stuff, and the authorities do nothing.

The Guardian - Film

Lish told D. T. Max, "I don't like talking about the Carver period, because of my sustained sense of his betrayal, and because it seems bad form to discuss this".

The New Yorker

From a dramatic point of view, let alone one of artistic integrity, it seems bad practice to have the ads feature the same actors that star in that show.

The New Yorker

Lish told D. T. Max, "I don't like talking about the Carver period, because of my sustained sense of his betrayal, and because it seems bad form to discuss this". Gallagher, for her part, thought that Lish had been claiming too much credit for Carver's achievements.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Maybe it seemed bad manners to mention it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had to go back and make it seem bad.

The Guardian - Books

If it seemed bad in 1982, it is now much worse.

The Guardian - Books

It seemed bad on my first visit to Tehran, way back in 1972, but it's far worse now.

The Guardian - Travel

"Everyone tries to make it seem bad but you've just got to take it on the chin," he added about his Liverpool absence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems bad" to express a subjective impression or initial assessment of a situation before having complete information.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it seems bad" without providing specific reasons or details about why the situation is perceived negatively. This can make your writing sound weak and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems bad" serves as an evaluative expression, indicating a negative perception or assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase expresses a subjective judgment based on initial observation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems bad" is a commonly used phrase to express a negative impression or assessment of a situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for general use. While it is versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. For more formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "it appears unfavorable" or "it seems suboptimal". The phrase is frequently found in news, wiki, and science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it isn't ideal

Indicates that the situation is not as good as it could be.

it seems undesirable

Uses a more formal word ("undesirable") to describe the situation.

it appears unfavorable

Uses a more formal word ("unfavorable") to describe the situation.

it seems far from perfect

Emphasizes the imperfections of the situation.

it seems unfortunate

Highlights the regrettable or unlucky aspect of the situation.

it looks bleak

Emphasizes a pessimistic outlook or lack of promise.

it feels wrong

Focuses on a sense of moral or ethical discomfort.

it gives a negative impression

Emphasizes the unfavorable perception created.

it presents poorly

Highlights a deficiency in presentation or execution.

it seems suboptimal

Uses a technical term to indicate that it's not the best solution.

FAQs

What does "it seems bad" mean?

The phrase "it seems bad" indicates a negative impression or assessment of a situation, implying that something is not favorable or desirable based on available information.

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

You can use "it seems bad" to express your opinion or observation about a situation. For example, "The weather forecast is predicting heavy rain; "it seems bad" for our outdoor picnic plans."

What can I say instead of "it seems bad"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears unfavorable", "it looks bleak", or "it seems unfortunate" depending on the context.

Is "it seems bad" formal or informal?

The phrase "it seems bad" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "it appears unfavorable" or "it seems suboptimal".