it seems rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it seems rather' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that a situation appears to be a certain way, usually in comparison to something else. For example, "It seems rather unusual for a dog to be able to swim so well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems rather harsh.

The Economist

It seems rather comical.

Independent

Because it seems rather stinting.

The New York Times

But it seems rather high.

The Economist

"It seems rather abrupt".

The New York Times

It seems rather doubtful).

The New Yorker

certainly, it seems rather far-fetched).

Independent

It seems rather... bloated, doesn't it?

The New York Times

It seems rather simple in hindsight: expediters expedite.

The New York Times

"It seems rather trivial, operating a regular business," he said.

The New York Times

In fact, it seems rather like a miracle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems rather" when you want to express a subjective impression or qualified observation. It's suitable for expressing opinions where a direct assertion might be too strong.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "it seems rather" can make writing sound hesitant or lacking confidence, especially in formal or business contexts. Consider using stronger verbs or more direct assertions for impact. For example, instead of "It seems rather difficult to implement", try "Implementation presents significant challenges."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems rather" functions as a hedging device, softening a statement or observation. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity, suggesting that the speaker's view is based on appearance or impression rather than definitive fact. Ludwig AI confirms its usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems rather" is a versatile expression used to convey a qualified or subjective observation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and the phrase is frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While adaptable, being mindful of overuse, especially in situations demanding more direct and assertive language, is crucial. Alternatives like "it suggests rather" and "it seems somewhat" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. The phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing opinions with a measured and polite approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems somewhat

Substitutes "rather" with "somewhat", softening the degree of the perceived quality.

it seems quite

Replaces "rather" with "quite", which can slightly intensify the degree.

it seems fairly

Replaces "rather" with "fairly", indicating a moderate degree.

it suggests rather

Replaces "seems" with "suggests", focusing on implication rather than direct appearance.

it appears somewhat

Combines "appears" for "seems" with "somewhat" for a softer assertion.

it seems a bit

Uses "a bit" instead of "rather" to convey a slightly less formal tone.

it looks somewhat

Employs "looks" instead of "seems" and "somewhat" for a softened observation.

it appears relatively

Uses "appears" instead of "seems" and "relatively" to indicate a comparative degree.

it seems pretty

Replaces "rather" with "pretty", making the statement more casual.

it feels rather

Changes "seems" to "feels", suggesting a subjective impression.

FAQs

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

"It seems rather" is used to express a qualified or subjective observation. For example, "It seems rather cold today," or "It seems rather unlikely that he will attend the meeting."

What can I say instead of "it seems rather"?

You can use alternatives like "it suggests rather", "it seems somewhat", or "it appears relatively" depending on the context.

Is "it seems rather" formal or informal?

"It seems rather" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for both written and spoken English, though it might sound slightly more formal than alternatives like "it seems pretty".

What's the difference between "it seems rather" and "it is rather"?

"It seems rather" expresses a subjective impression or qualified observation, while "it is rather" is a more direct statement of fact. The former indicates uncertainty or opinion, whereas the latter suggests greater confidence.