it seems dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems dead" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to be non-functional, lifeless, or inactive. Example: "After several days without any signs of life, it seems dead, and we may need to replace it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It seems dead.

The New York Times

The Rangers and the Devils split their fight-filled regular-season series, and it seems dead even now, too.

The New York Times

That's why it seems dead right that Stoppard should be the fifth recipient of the annual PEN Pinter prize, awarded to a writer who casts, in the words of Pinter's Nobel lecture, "an unflinching, unswerving gaze upon the world".

The Guardian

Even though the U.S. House of Representatives just passed H.R. 3053, The Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018, to reopen the Yucca Mountain Project, it seems dead in the Senate and is just way too expensive given that we picked the wrong rock in 1987.

Forbes

It seems dead pop stars are appearing in the strangest places.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

For now, though, it seems dead-focused on its high-margin hardware business, ceding the opportunity to the other platforms.

TechCrunch

One was ghostly white and, it seemed, dead.

The New Yorker

Yet, as with the British and everyone else from the Mongols to the Russians, it seemed dead plain that things would end badly.

The New York Times

However, AstraZeneca's board has rejected the bid and, as we went to press, it seemed dead in the water.British politicians had cast Pfizer as a ruthless cost-cutter, out to gut British innovators.

The Economist

The Peace Hotel was seemingly open for business but it seemed dead inside – no coffee shop, no life, no residents or visitors".

BBC

It seemed dead for a long time, but now there are some bands who incorporate those elements into their sound.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems dead" to describe situations or objects that appear to have ceased functioning or lost their vitality. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning of inactivity or failure.

Common error

While "it seems dead" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "it appears non-functional" or "it suggests obsolescence" for enhanced clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems dead" functions as an assessment or observation, indicating that something gives the impression of being non-functional or lifeless. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems dead" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that appears to be non-functional, lifeless, or inactive. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is primarily found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. While suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings. Consider using variations like "it appears defunct" or "it looks inactive" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears defunct

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "dead" with "defunct", indicating something no longer functioning or existing.

it looks inactive

Substitutes "seems dead" with "looks inactive", focusing on the outward appearance of being non-operational.

it feels lifeless

Changes "seems dead" to "feels lifeless", emphasizing a lack of vitality or animation.

it gives the impression of being finished

Rephrases the query to suggest the idea that something seems to have reached its end.

it presents as non-functional

Substitutes "seems dead" with "presents as non-functional", highlighting the apparent lack of functionality.

it suggests dormancy

Replaces the expression to focus on a period of inactivity, rather than a complete end.

it conveys a sense of obsolescence

Shifts the meaning to highlight the idea that the object is outmoded or no longer in use.

it comes across as inoperative

Uses "comes across as inoperative" instead of "seems dead", focusing on the impression of not being in working order.

it appears to be a lost cause

Replaces the expression with an idiom that suggests that there is no longer any hope for the object in question.

it is seemingly nonviable

Employs "seemingly nonviable" instead of "seems dead", emphasizing a lack of potential for success or survival.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems dead" to describe something that appears to be non-functional, lifeless, or inactive. For example: "After several days without any signs of life, "it seems dead", and we may need to replace it."

What are some alternatives to "it seems dead"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it appears lifeless", "it looks inactive", or "it feels lifeless" depending on the context.

Is "it seems dead" formal or informal?

"It seems dead" is generally considered neutral to informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives that sound more professional, such as "it appears non-functional".

What does "it seems dead" imply?

"It seems dead" implies that something is no longer functioning, active, or alive. It suggests a state of inactivity or cessation of operation based on observation.