it seems however

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It seems however" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a contrast between two statements or ideas, such as: "I thought the project would be easy - it seems however that it is going to be more challenging than I thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems, however, that the truth may have its good shoes on and is marching up the courthouse steps.

Huffington Post

It seems, however, that their working relationship has soured somewhat.

The Guardian - Music

It seems, however, that my greatest utility has come to an end".

The New York Times

It seems, however, that other forces might have played a bigger part.

The Guardian - Music

It seems, however, that his musical experience at Douglass was frustrating.

The New Yorker

It seems, however, that the captain could now be ready to walk the plank.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems however, that finally, after all these months, the world was surprised.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems, however, that imagining any such male bravado is very wide of the mark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seems, however, that the Department of Sanitation of NYC has beaten Karan to the punch.

The New Yorker

It seems, however, to be one of those rare processes that get worse with practice.

The Economist

It seems, however, that there is more than one grinch" who will not "let the rest enjoy the story".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems however" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or unexpected development, ensuring it smoothly connects to the preceding statement. A well-placed comma after "however" enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems however" too frequently in a short passage. Vary your transitional phrases with alternatives like "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "yet" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems however" functions as a transitional expression, indicating a contrast or shift in perspective following an initial observation or statement. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase often connects two related but differing ideas, adding complexity to the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems however" is a versatile transitional phrase used to introduce a contrast or qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Although neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider more formal synonyms for scientific writing. The examples confirm its role in presenting nuanced perspectives and unexpected developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears though

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "however" with "though", maintaining a similar level of informality.

it would seem nonetheless

Adds a degree of formality using "nonetheless" instead of "however".

it would appear nevertheless

Similar to the previous phrase, but replaces "nonetheless" with "nevertheless" for a slightly different tone.

apparently though

Simplifies the phrase, omitting "it seems" and using "apparently" instead, resulting in a more direct statement.

it turns out though

Implies a discovery or revelation, which shifts the focus slightly.

on the face of it however

Introduces a sense of initial impression followed by a contrast.

superficially it seems however

Emphasizes that the initial appearance is misleading, adding a layer of complexity.

ostensibly though

Similar to "superficially", but more formal and less common.

it may seem but

A more concise and slightly archaic alternative, using "but" instead of "however".

the case appears different however

Inverts the structure to emphasize the contrasting information.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems however" to present a contrasting idea following an initial observation. For example, "The plan seemed straightforward; "it seems however", that unforeseen challenges have emerged".

What are some alternatives to "it seems however"?

Alternatives include "apparently", "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "yet". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "it seems however" redundant?

While "it seems" and "however" can function independently, their combination is not inherently redundant. "It seems" introduces a degree of uncertainty or observation, while "however" signals contrast. Together, they provide a nuanced transition. Consider "apparently" or "seemingly" for more concise options.

What's the difference between "it seems however" and "however it seems"?

"It seems however" places the emphasis on the contrasting information, whereas "however it seems" emphasizes the uncertainty or subjective nature of the initial observation. The former is more common in general writing.