it seems only right

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems only right" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It conveys the idea that something is fair or appropriate. Example: After years of hard work and dedication, it seems only right that she should be promoted to manager.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A judge ruled that she had caused her father, who has dementia, "very considerable grief" and that "it seems only right that she should go to prison".

Independent

It has fresh food in its genes, so it seems only right that this national monument – now a waterfront regeneration area – should become Plymouth's foodie central.

The Guardian - Travel

"It seems only right therefore that its programmes will be present at the new London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which will combine the glamour of Hollywood with the best of British culture".

The Guardian

"It seems only right therefore that its programmes will be present at the new London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which will combine the glamour of Hollywood with the best of British culture". The park, on a 900-acre brownfield site is next to Ebbsfleet International railway station, is expected to create up 27,000 jobs.

BBC

For a country whose cuisine has been officially recognised by Unesco as a "world intangible heritage", it seems only right it should have its own festival, and that is exactly what will take place all over France for the first time this Friday, 23 September.

The Guardian - Travel

It seems only right that France should play its part.

The Guardian

It seems only right.

The New York Times - Sports

In this vertical wonderland it seems only right to ascend.

The New York Times - Food

It seems only right that art, too, should twitter.

The Guardian - Arts

It seems only right to make the next move, and inch a little closer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rye - IT seemed only right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the connection between the preceding context and the "it seems only right" clause is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems only right" in situations where there's no clear justification or logical connection to the preceding information. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound contrived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems only right" functions as a modal expression, indicating an opinion or judgment about what is fair, appropriate, or logically justified. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys the idea that something is indeed fair or suitable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems only right" is a frequently used phrase to express a sense of fairness, appropriateness, or logical conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's common in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and conveys a sense of justice or rationality. While alternatives exist, "it seems only right" provides a specific emphasis on the inherent fairness or logical necessity of a situation, making it a valuable tool for expressing reasoned judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is only fitting

Emphasizes the suitability or appropriateness of something.

it is only fair

Highlights the justice or impartiality of a situation.

it is just proper

Underlines the correctness and appropriateness of an action or decision.

it is but right

A slightly more formal way of expressing that something is correct or justified.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical or follows naturally from the circumstances.

it is reasonable

Suggests that something is sensible and in accordance with reason.

it is appropriate

Highlights the suitability of something for a particular situation.

it is fitting

Similar to 'appropriate', but can also carry a sense of elegance or grace.

it is suitable

Indicates that something is well-matched to the circumstances.

it is in order

Implies that something is the correct or expected course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems only right" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems only right" to introduce a statement that logically follows from a previous one. For example, "Given her dedication, it seems only right that she gets a promotion."

What are some alternatives to "it seems only right"?

You can use alternatives like "it is only fitting", "it is only fair", or "it is just proper" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "it seems only right" and "it seems right"?

"It seems only right" emphasizes a stronger sense of justification or appropriateness compared to the simpler "it seems right". The addition of "only" reinforces the idea that something is not just acceptable, but inherently fair or logical.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems only right" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you want to convey a sense of logical consequence or fairness following a particular set of circumstances. It's suitable for expressing reasoned judgments or recommendations.