it seems enigmatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems enigmatic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears mysterious or difficult to understand. Example: "The ancient manuscript was filled with symbols and illustrations that it seems enigmatic to the scholars trying to decipher its meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fundamentally, because azoospermia results in an inability to reproduce by natural mating, it seems enigmatic as to why this disease remains so prevalent in the human population.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Paddick's career itself seems enigmatic and tragic, despite the book's lively, often racy candour.

The Guardian - Books

But tricksy though Mammon is, it seems that enigmatic word – Mammon's answer to Citizen Kane's Rosebud – linked two suicides that were five years apart.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Elderkin has the knack of getting on with characters who seem enigmatic to the public.

The Guardian

Although the ads may seem enigmatic to some viewers, an employee of LG, a $70 billion Korean conglomerate of some 30 companies, said that the austere appearance of the billboards was intentional.

The New York Times

This may seem enigmatic at first sight, largely because we tend to pass inadvertently from (A) If X collides with Y then at least one division into parts of Y exists such that X collides with one of the parts which is true, to (B) If X collides with Y then for all divisions into parts of Y, X collides with one of the parts which is false.

SEP

Despite the closeness with which we observe Ann, however, her feelings and actions still seem enigmatic as well.

Huffington Post

These can be organized into three broad categories: characteristic features of eukaryotes that are explained parsimoniously by the model; unusual features of eukaryotic cells that are explained by the inside-out model but otherwise seem enigmatic; and direct phylogenetic evidence supporting the inside-out model over outside-in alternatives.

BMC Biology

The most striking thing about the ancient site, which Heinrich Schliemann, the 19th-century German amateur archaeologist, unearthed in a mere 14 weeks, is how at first it seems both unimpressive and enigmatic.

The New York Times - Travel

The smile is still enigmatic, but it seems calmer and wiser, as though guarding a different set of secrets.

The New York Times - Magazine

With his long, pale face frozen in enigmatic reverie, it seems equally possible that he's thinking about a long-ago afternoon with a lovely girl or the best way of disposing of an inconvenient body.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems enigmatic" to introduce an element of intrigue or uncertainty, prompting further exploration or explanation. It's suitable when you want to suggest something is not easily understood but is worthy of attention.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems enigmatic" when a simpler term like "mysterious" or "unclear" would suffice. "Enigmatic" carries a connotation of profound mystery, so reserve it for situations where the complexity genuinely warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems enigmatic" primarily functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses an observation or assessment about something appearing mysterious or difficult to understand. Ludwig examples show this in various contexts, from describing diseases to historical sites.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems enigmatic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting something that appears mysterious or puzzling. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various real-world examples. While not overly frequent, the phrase is versatile, fitting in both news and scientific contexts. It's most effective when you want to express intrigue and invite further exploration. Remember to reserve the term "enigmatic" for situations where the complexity genuinely warrants it, and consider alternatives like "it appears mysterious" or "it looks puzzling" for simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears mysterious

Replaces "seems enigmatic" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the mysterious aspect.

it looks puzzling

Substitutes "enigmatic" with "puzzling", emphasizing confusion rather than mystery.

it gives an impression of mystery

Expands the phrase to highlight the impression of mystery it creates.

it has an air of mystery

Uses figurative language to describe the mysterious quality.

it strikes one as mysterious

Changes the perspective to an observer's impression of mystery.

it presents itself as a puzzle

Focuses on the puzzling nature of the subject.

it creates a sense of enigma

Emphasizes the feeling of enigma the subject evokes.

it is shrouded in mystery

Uses a metaphor to suggest the mystery is concealing something.

it's hard to fathom

Indicates difficulty in understanding, similar to being enigmatic.

it defies easy explanation

Highlights the lack of a straightforward explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems enigmatic" to describe something that appears mysterious or difficult to understand. For example, "The ancient manuscript was filled with symbols and illustrations that "it seems enigmatic" to the scholars trying to decipher its meaning."

What are some alternatives to "it seems enigmatic"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears puzzling" or "it seems mysterious" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is seeming enigmatic"?

While grammatically possible, "it is seeming enigmatic" is less common and generally less preferred than ""it seems enigmatic"". The latter is more concise and idiomatic.

What's the difference between "it seems enigmatic" and "it is simply a mystery"?

"It seems enigmatic" suggests something presents itself as puzzling, while "it is simply a mystery" indicates a state of being unknown or incomprehensible. The former implies a potential for eventual understanding, whereas the latter suggests a more absolute unknowability.