it seems few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the observation that a small number of people or things are involved or present in a particular situation. Example: "In the recent survey, it seems few participants were aware of the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

There are, it seems, few rules.

The New York Times

(So far, it seems, few Anglicans have accepted the offer).

The New York Times

Still, it seems few people actually get his study right.

The New York Times

In fact, it seems few choose it at all.

The Economist

But it seems few in Teaneck took much notice of his religion and ethnic background.

The New York Times

It seems few consumers want range-extending gas engines in their electric vehicles.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Australia might be the lucky country but it seems fewer Kiwis are willing to take a chance across the ditch.

The Guardian

It seems fewer and fewer are these days, according to the statistics.

BBC

Dom's contacts with English friends were, it seemed, few.

The Guardian

It seems that fewer and fewer people can write.

The Guardian

Still, it seems, too few amateur athletes take it seriously and fewer still do it right.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems few", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referred to. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the scope of the observation.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems few" when the small quantity is already self-evident. Use stronger, more direct language if the limited number is a definitive fact, not just an impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems few" functions as an introductory expression that softens a statement about a limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It serves to present an observation or conclusion based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems few" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to convey a tentative observation about a limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. Its primary function is to soften a statement and express a perceived reality without definitive assertion. While "it seems few" appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it is also found in scientific and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives like "it appears few" and "few seem to be" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears few

Replaces "seems" with "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone but retaining the core meaning.

it would appear few

Adds "would", suggesting a tentative conclusion based on available evidence.

it suggests few

Substitutes "seems" with "suggests", indicating that the evidence hints at a small number.

it indicates few

Replaces "seems" with "indicates", implying a more direct sign or signal.

it looks like few

Uses a more informal phrasing with "looks like", maintaining a similar level of certainty.

few seem to be

Inverts the sentence structure, placing emphasis on the small number rather than the observation.

there appear to be few

Uses "appear to be" for a slightly more formal and indirect observation.

there seem to be few

Alters the structure to emphasize the existence of a small quantity.

not many seem to

Employs a more colloquial expression indicating a lack of participation or presence.

a small number seem to

Explicitly states the quantity as "a small number", replacing the implied assessment.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems few" to indicate that based on observation or available evidence, the number of something is limited. For example, "It seems few students attended the lecture today".

What are some alternatives to "it seems few"?

You can use alternatives such as "it appears few", "it suggests few", or "few seem to be" depending on the context.

Is "it seems few" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it seems few" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that the number of something appears to be limited based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase.

What is the difference between "it seems few" and "it seems a few"?

"It seems few" implies that there are very few or almost none, whereas "it seems a few" suggests that there are some, but not many. The choice depends on the degree of limitation you want to convey.