it seems rigged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems rigged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a suspicion or belief that something is unfairly manipulated or predetermined. Example: "After reviewing the results of the competition, it seems rigged, as the same team has won for the third consecutive year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Lukashenko has neutered parliament, intimidated independent media, eliminated rivals (if his former chief executioner is to be believed), and now, it seems, rigged his own re-election.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The game seems rigged — and if it is, following the rules is for suckers.

The New Yorker

The system seems rigged, anyway.

The Guardian - Opinion

The current system seems rigged to make rich people richer.

The New York Times - Arts

For many, the game seems rigged, not just in Hollywood but in society at large.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A lot of contemporary romantic comedies, stuffed with clichés and grinning idiots, unintentionally work your last nerves; at least initially, "Celeste and Jesse" seems rigged to shred them.

The New York Times

They're mostly handmaidens to frustration, a state of mind that Rye, which opened in coy stages in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, over the last two and a half months, seems rigged to foster.

The New York Times - Food

No one broached the fraught topic of bailouts and being too big to fail, but several of the hedge fund managers said they could understand why so many average Americans were frustrated by a system that seems rigged in favor of the rich.

The New York Times

Justice, he argued, came of taking on violators for whom the system seems rigged, not picking off easy targets.

Huffington Post

For many, the desire to keep the "greater evil" out of public office isn't a good enough reason to engage in a democratic process that seems rigged, designed to maintain the illusion of choice while protecting the status quo.

Vice

Behind these precise data points lie messy stories of frustration over the seeming impossibility of navigating a bewildering welfare system that sometimes seems rigged for rejection; over mounting bills that can't be paid; over plans subject to constant renegotiation in lives ruled by scarcity.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems rigged" when you want to express a suspicion based on observation rather than concrete proof. Avoid using it when you have definitive evidence of tampering or manipulation, as stronger language would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "it seems rigged" is a useful expression, avoid overusing it, particularly in formal writing. Vary your language by using more precise and descriptive alternatives to better convey the specific nature of the suspected unfairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems rigged" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a speaker's perception or suspicion that a situation, system, or process is unfairly manipulated or predetermined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase expresses a subjective assessment based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems rigged" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a suspicion that something is unfairly manipulated or predetermined. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is well-suited for expressing doubt or skepticism, particularly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when using this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives like "it appears fixed" when appropriate. Remember that it expresses suspicion, not proven fact. The phrase is best used when you suspect foul play but don't have definitive evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears fixed

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "rigged" with "fixed", emphasizing a state of being prearranged or predetermined.

it looks manipulated

Substitutes "seems rigged" with "looks manipulated", focusing on the observable signs of unfair control.

it gives the impression of being rigged

Expands the phrase to highlight the perceived impression of unfairness.

it feels like a setup

Shifts the focus to a subjective feeling of being entrapped or deceived.

the outcome appears predetermined

Emphasizes that the result seems decided in advance, eliminating any element of chance.

it strikes me as unfair

Replaces the idea of rigging with the expression of being unfair, expressing an opinion or sentiment about it.

it smacks of manipulation

Conveys a strong sense of detectable, underhanded influence.

it suggests foul play

Implies the presence of dishonest or illegal activities.

it is clearly biased

Highlights the presence of a distinct leaning or prejudice, indicating a lack of neutrality.

the deck is stacked

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea that conditions are unfairly arranged against someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems rigged" to express a feeling that something is not fair or is manipulated in some way. For example, "After the controversial decision, "it seems rigged" to favor one side".

What's a more formal way to say "it seems rigged"?

In more formal contexts, you could say "it appears fixed" or "it looks manipulated". These alternatives maintain a level of suspicion but sound more professional.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems rigged"?

"It seems rigged" is best used when you have a suspicion or feeling, but not necessarily concrete proof, that something is unfairly biased or manipulated. It's suitable for expressing doubt or skepticism.

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

"It seems rigged" expresses a suspicion, while "it is rigged" states a fact. Use "it seems rigged" when you suspect foul play but don't have definitive evidence. Use "it is rigged" only when you have proof.