it seems inevitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems inevitable" is an example of correct and usable English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or opinion that something is certain to happen, or is unavoidable. For example, you could say: "Given the evidence, it seems inevitable that global warming will have an increasingly negative effect on the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seems inevitable that Apple will eventually launch its own cloud-based streaming music service.

TechCrunch

Now it seems inevitable.

Independent

Beyond the irony, it seems inevitable.

The New Yorker

"To me it seems inevitable.

The New York Times - Health

Still, it seems inevitable that the record will be broken.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it seems inevitable that the unexpected will keep happening.

The New York Times - Sports

No doubt they would, at first, but it seems inevitable.

The New Yorker

In fact, like the very best tragedy, it seems inevitable.

The Guardian

It seems inevitable that much will be made public.

The New Yorker

It seems inevitable that this type of threat will rise.

The Guardian

So it seems inevitable it will get squeezed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems inevitable" when you want to convey a sense of certainty based on current evidence or trends, but acknowledge a degree of subjective interpretation. For example: "Given the current trajectory of technological advancement, "it seems inevitable" that AI will play a larger role in our daily lives."

Common error

Avoid using "it seems inevitable" when the outcome is truly uncertain or dependent on many unpredictable factors. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument by implying a certainty that doesn't exist. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect a higher degree of uncertainty, like "it is possible" or "it is likely."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems inevitable" functions as an evaluative expression, used to convey a speaker's assessment that a particular outcome is highly probable based on available information. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in expressing such perceived certainties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems inevitable" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong expectation that something will happen. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it conveys a high degree of certainty, it's important to acknowledge a degree of subjective interpretation. Be mindful not to overuse the phrase when outcomes are truly uncertain. Alternative phrases such as ""it is likely"" or ""it is virtually certain"" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears unavoidable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "inevitable" with "unavoidable", maintaining the core meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

it is virtually certain

Highlights the high degree of certainty, almost to the point of being guaranteed.

it is a foregone conclusion

Emphasizes that the outcome is already determined and there is no chance of it being otherwise.

it is practically guaranteed

Focuses on the almost absolute assurance that something will happen, leaving very little room for doubt.

it is bound to happen

Shifts the focus to the certainty of the event occurring, using a more direct and less speculative tone.

it is destined to occur

Implies a sense of fate or predetermination, adding a layer of higher power or unavoidable course.

it is sure to come to pass

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic tone to express the certainty of an event.

it is on the cards

Expresses the idea that something is very likely to happen in the near future.

the die is cast

Uses an idiom to express that a decision has been made and cannot be changed, making the outcome inevitable.

the writing is on the wall

An idiomatic expression indicating that the signs of a certain outcome are already visible and cannot be ignored.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems inevitable" to express that something is highly likely to happen based on the available evidence or current circumstances. For example: "Given the rising sea levels, "it seems inevitable" that coastal communities will face significant challenges."

What are some alternatives to "it seems inevitable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is bound to happen", "it is likely", or "it is virtually certain" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it seems inevitable" the same as "it is inevitable"?

"It seems inevitable" implies a degree of subjective assessment based on available information, while "it is inevitable" suggests absolute certainty. The former acknowledges a possibility of error, however small. Using "it seems inevitable" can be better to express an opinion.

When is it inappropriate to use "it seems inevitable"?

Avoid using "it seems inevitable" when discussing events with genuinely unpredictable outcomes or when you lack sufficient evidence to support a strong prediction. In such cases, using phrases like "it is possible" or "it might happen" would be more appropriate.