it seems comical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems comical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be funny or amusing, often in a light-hearted or ironic context. Example: "The way he tried to fix the car with duct tape was so absurd that it seems comical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Led by the local bishop, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, they want the tradition to stop.Nowadays, it seems comical that only in 1974 did Catholics become eligible to become Lord Chancellor, or that the foreign secretary in the Attlee government, Ernest Bevin, would mutter "black crows, black crows" whenever he saw a Catholic priest.

The Economist

"It seems comical – I have chronic eye disease, but before addressing the eye specialist I should go to the GP, to wait in a queue just to get the referral".

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If some of this seems comical, it should be said that Zipes, in his books, shows a real love of fairy tales, especially the Grimms'.

The New Yorker

If Weis and Carr have anything in common beside the despair of this season, it is a familiar coaching paranoia that seems comical in its obsessive secrecy.

The New York Times - Sports

It may seem comical, but it isn't.

Huffington Post

It may seem comical, but it's this determination and spirit for adventure that has inspired Ramsey to create the massive, bold artwork that he does today.

Huffington Post

For weeks the progress was so minimal it almost seemed comical to address it.

The New York Times - Sports

So the idea of those floppy-fringed guitar players uniting with the hoodie-clad rappers seems comical - but that's exactly what has happened, and it's known as "grindie".

The Guardian - Music

"He'd never heard of George Clinton, which seems comical now," Kerr told me in 2011.

The Guardian - Music

The objects in the California investigation were sometimes smuggled into the United States using a ruse that seems comical.

The New York Times - Arts

The mascots are kept by secret societies, naval reserve units and others, to whom the mere fact of keeping a goat seems comical.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems comical" to express a sense of amusement or irony when observing a situation or event that deviates from the expected or serious.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems comical" in highly formal or professional writing where a more direct or serious tone is required. Opt for alternatives that maintain a level of professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems comical" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something gives the impression of being amusing or absurd. Ludwig examples show it expressing a personal perception of humor in various situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems comical" is used to express that something appears funny or absurd. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not exceedingly formal, it maintains a neutral register. Consider alternatives like "it appears laughable" or "it feels absurd" for nuanced expressions. Use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in strictly formal settings, to effectively convey a sense of amusement or irony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears laughable

Replaces "comical" with "laughable", emphasizing the potential for laughter.

it feels absurd

Shifts the focus to the feeling of absurdity rather than direct humor.

it strikes one as funny

More explicitly states that the situation is perceived as funny.

it looks ridiculous

Focuses on the visual aspect, suggesting something looks foolish or silly.

it comes across as preposterous

Emphasizes the outlandish and unbelievable nature of something.

it is amusing

A more straightforward statement of amusement.

it is humorous

Similar to "amusing" but slightly more formal.

it is farcical

Suggests a situation resembling a farce, full of exaggerated and improbable elements.

it smacks of absurdity

Emphasizes that the situation is absurd and illogical.

it verges on the ludicrous

Indicates that something is close to being completely ridiculous.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems comical" to describe something that appears funny or absurd, often unexpectedly. For example, "The elaborate security measures for a small village fete, "it seems comical", but the organizers are very serious".

What are some alternatives to "it seems comical"?

Alternatives include "it appears laughable", "it feels absurd", or "it strikes one as funny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems comical" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it seems comical" might be too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using more professional alternatives in such contexts.

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

"It seems comical" suggests an observation or impression, whereas "it is comical" states a direct fact. The former implies a subjective viewpoint, while the latter presents an objective assessment.