it seems perverse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems perverse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be morally wrong, unreasonable, or contrary to what is expected. Example: "While some may find the idea appealing, it seems perverse to celebrate such a controversial figure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It seems perverse to describe Pigeon English, with its spilled blood and wasted lives, as an optimistic book but, against all the odds, it is.

The Guardian - Books

To me it seems perverse to use a word to mean something like its opposite.

The Guardian - Books

It seems perverse, then, to exclude individuals.

The Economist

And to those involved, Britain's resistance to a protocol with real evidence behind it seems perverse.

Independent

It seems perverse, then, not to allow the actor some form of solo bow.

The Guardian

It seems perverse, then, that she chooses to deny her destiny as a novelist.

The New York Times

It seems perverse, at a time of stringent austerity, for countries to deny themselves a means of controlling spending.

The Economist

The screening model isn't very fashionable these days, partly because it seems perverse to suggest that education doesn't boost productivity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

At first, it seemed perverse to turn vivid human characters into dolls.

The New York Times - Arts

If it seemed perverse that none of the potential No 6s was actually batting at six, it was of no import.

Independent

It seemed perverse that, given all the things in the world they didn't have in common, shoe size would be something they shared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems perverse" to express a strong sense of something being morally wrong, illogical, or against common sense. It's most effective when highlighting a surprising or unexpected element of inappropriateness.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems perverse" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. The phrase carries a strong connotation of something deeply wrong or misguided; using it in trivial contexts dilutes its impact and can sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems perverse" primarily functions as an evaluative expression. It introduces a subjective assessment, indicating that something appears to be morally wrong, unreasonable, or twisted. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable. It serves to frame a statement as an opinion or judgment based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems perverse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying a sense of moral or logical objection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where a strong sense of impropriety or unreasonableness is genuinely intended. Alternatives such as "it seems improper" or "it seems irrational" can offer more nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage "it seems perverse" to add depth and impact to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems improper

Indicates a lack of appropriateness or suitability.

it seems irrational

Highlights the lack of logical reasoning behind something.

it seems unreasonable

Implies a lack of fairness or justification.

it seems undesirable

Changes the focus from moral objection to general undesirability.

it seems senseless

Highlights the lack of purpose or meaning.

it seems counterproductive

Focuses on the ineffectiveness or negative outcome of an action.

it seems outrageous

Conveys a sense of shock or indignation.

it seems aberrant

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or expected behavior.

it seems strange

Indicates something is unusual or odd.

it seems unnatural

Suggests a deviation from what is considered normal or inherent.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems perverse" to express that something appears morally wrong, unreasonable, or contrary to what's expected. For example, "It seems perverse to celebrate someone who has caused so much harm".

What are some alternatives to "it seems perverse"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems improper", "it seems irrational", or "it seems unreasonable" depending on the specific context.

What does "it seems perverse" mean?

"It seems perverse" means that something appears to be morally wrong, twisted, or against what is considered right or logical. It suggests a sense of shock or disapproval.

Is it correct to say "it is perverse" instead of "it seems perverse"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "It is perverse" states the perversity as a fact, while "it seems perverse" expresses it as an observation or opinion. The choice depends on whether you want to present it as a definitive statement or a subjective assessment.