it seems like a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems like a lot" is correct in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something appears to be a large amount, either of something concrete (e.g. money) or something abstract (e.g. tasks). For example, "We need to finish the project by tomorrow - it seems like a lot of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It seems like a lot of lackluster play," Stricker said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I know it seems like a lot," Morrison said.

The New Yorker

It seems like a lot of guys are tired".

The New York Times - Sports

It seems like a lot of them are just born with a sense of games.

The New Yorker

"It seems like a lot of heartache and a lot of longing," he said.

The New York Times

It seems like a lot of Legos to have lying around.

The New York Times

"It seems like a lot of talk and not a lot of action".

The New York Times

It seems like a lot of work not to at least get your own limo and bodyguard.

Princeton University

It seems like a lot of your career is these collaborative efforts.

The New Yorker

So, it seems like a lot of the audience agrees with that sentiment as well.

Harvard Business Review

It seems like a lot, but you'll need it for your starter feedings and your leaven.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems like a lot" when you want to convey a subjective impression of quantity, size, or effort involved. It's best suited for situations where you're expressing a feeling rather than stating a precise measurement.

Common error

While "it seems like a lot" is perfectly acceptable in general conversation and informal writing, avoid overuse in formal or academic contexts where more precise language is preferred. Consider replacing it with phrases such as "the data suggests a substantial increase" or "the workload is considerable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems like a lot" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a subjective impression of quantity, size, or effort, often based on observation or feeling. It indicates that something gives the impression of being considerable or substantial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems like a lot" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a subjective impression of quantity or effort. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase, expressing a feeling rather than a precise measurement. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with overuse in formal writing being a potential pitfall. Alternatives like "it appears to be substantial" or "it feels like quite a bit" can offer more precise or context-appropriate options. As Ludwig's examples show, "it seems like a lot" is frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its widespread use in expressing perceptions and opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it feels like quite a bit

This option uses a more informal tone to express that something seems like a large quantity.

it suggests a great deal

This alternative focuses on the implication that something indicates a large amount or degree.

it appears to be substantial

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey that something seems significant in size or amount.

it comes across as significant

This phrase focuses on how something is perceived, implying that it has a considerable impact or importance.

it looks like a good quantity

This option uses a more straightforward, observational tone to indicate that something seems like a sufficient amount.

it gives the impression of being considerable

This phrase highlights the impression created by something, emphasizing its noticeable size or importance.

it presents itself as ample

This alternative describes something as seeming plentiful or more than enough.

it strikes me as excessive

This alternative suggests that something not only seems large but also goes beyond what's necessary or reasonable.

it has the appearance of abundance

This phrase emphasizes the visual impression of something being plentiful and readily available.

it registers as extensive

This implies that something is not only large but also covers a wide scope or area.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems like a lot" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems like a lot" to express that something appears to be a large amount or requires significant effort. For example, "Cleaning the entire house in one day? "It seems like a lot" of work".

What are some alternatives to "it seems like a lot"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it appears to be substantial", "it feels like quite a bit", or "it strikes me as excessive".

Is "it seems like a lot" formal or informal?

"It seems like a lot" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "it appears to be significant" or "the quantity is considerable".

When is it appropriate to use "it seems like a lot"?

It's appropriate to use "it seems like a lot" when you want to express a subjective impression that something is large in quantity, effort, or impact. It is common in everyday conversation and less formal writing.