it seems extraordinary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems extraordinary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of surprise or admiration about something that appears remarkable or unusual. Example: "After witnessing the performance, it seems extraordinary how talented the dancers are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JB, Oakham, Rutland Yours is the latest letter outlining this situation, and it seems extraordinary that the AA continues to treat its long-standing customers in this way.

The Guardian - Money

It seems extraordinary to me that, when it drew up its original proposal, there was no provision for making this kind of very minor change affecting one Member State without the need for a full consultation process.

EU Parlament

It seems extraordinary.

The Economist

With hindsight it seems extraordinary that he could have operated for so long.

The Guardian

It seems extraordinary that these two worlds should have ever touched.

The Guardian - Books

It seems extraordinary that no organisation has approached the RFU on the matter.

The Guardian - Sport

Second, it seems extraordinary that Coulson is still the prime minister's director of communications.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems extraordinary to have to even talk about this historical lesson.

The Guardian

It seems extraordinary for an All Black to admit such frailties in print.

The Guardian - Sport

It's such a simple point, it seems extraordinary anyone had to make it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it seems extraordinary that you should have been so poorly treated.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems extraordinary" to express surprise or disbelief, but consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

While "it seems extraordinary" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's surprising" or "that's amazing" to maintain a natural and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems extraordinary" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a sense of surprise, disbelief, or astonishment. It typically introduces a statement that is considered remarkable or unusual, as illustrated by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems extraordinary" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey surprise, disbelief, or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. Alternatives like "it appears remarkable" or "it seems incredible" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that while widely applicable, overuse in informal settings should be avoided to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems incredible

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something, suggesting it's almost beyond comprehension.

it appears remarkable

Replaces "seems extraordinary" with a more formal tone, focusing on outward appearance.

it's quite astonishing

Highlights the surprising and impressive nature of something.

it defies belief

Similar to "hard to believe", but stronger, suggesting something is almost impossible to accept.

it's hard to believe

Expresses a personal sense of disbelief or skepticism.

it's truly exceptional

Highlights the uniqueness and superiority of something.

it's nothing short of amazing

Emphasizes the positive and awe-inspiring qualities of something.

it's utterly baffling

Focuses on the confusing and incomprehensible aspect of a situation.

it's beyond comprehension

Stresses the inability to understand or grasp something fully.

it strikes me as odd

Conveys a sense of peculiarity or unusualness.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems extraordinary" to express surprise or disbelief about something. For example, "It seems extraordinary that he won".

What are some alternatives to "it seems extraordinary"?

Alternatives include "it appears remarkable", "it seems incredible", or "it's quite astonishing", depending on the context.

Is "it seems extraordinary" formal or informal?

"It seems extraordinary" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.

What's the difference between "it seems extraordinary" and "it seems strange"?

"It seems extraordinary" conveys a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief, while "it seems strange" simply indicates that something is unusual or unexpected.