it seems to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems to be" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used when making a statement about a prevailing opinion, or an interpretation of the available evidence. For example, "It seems to be a consensus that the economy is improving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems to be unanimity.

The Economist

It seems to be helping.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems to be working.

The New York Times

"It seems to be one.

The New York Times - Arts

At last it seems to be turning.

The Economist

It seems to be a bit wrong".

Independent

But it seems to be vanishing.

The New York Times

And it seems to be happening, slowly.

Independent

Indeed, it seems to be deteriorating.

The Economist

And it seems to be getting worse.

The New York Times

It seems to be without end".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems to be" to express an opinion or conclusion based on available evidence, avoiding definitive statements without sufficient proof.

Common error

While "it seems to be" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can weaken your argument. Opt for stronger, more direct statements when the evidence supports them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems to be" functions as an evidential marker, indicating that a statement is based on appearance, inference, or incomplete information. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems to be" is a versatile phrase used to express an impression or an opinion based on the available evidence, without stating it as a definitive fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in different writing styles, although more formal options might be favored in certain academic or scientific contexts. The phrase's high frequency in news and media underscores its role in conveying tentative assessments and observations, as supported by numerous examples from Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears to be

Replaces "seems" with "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone but maintaining the same core meaning of something giving the impression of being a certain way.

it would appear that

Adds a degree of tentativeness and formality to the statement, suggesting that the conclusion is based on observation rather than certainty.

it suggests that

Shifts the focus to implication, implying that the observed evidence points towards a particular conclusion.

it indicates that

Emphasizes the role of evidence in leading to a conclusion, implying a stronger connection between observation and inference.

it looks like

Offers a more informal and direct way of expressing a similar sentiment, focusing on visual assessment.

it gives the impression of being

Focuses on the perceived feeling or image created, highlighting the subjective nature of the observation.

the evidence suggests

Explicitly acknowledges the role of supporting information in forming an opinion, lending credibility to the assertion.

one might conclude

Highlights the inferential process, suggesting that the speaker is drawing a conclusion based on available information.

it can be inferred that

Formalizes the act of drawing conclusions, highlighting the logical connection between premises and inferences.

it is reasonable to assume

Presents the conclusion as a logical assumption based on available information, implying a practical justification.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems to be" in a sentence?

Use "it seems to be" to express an impression or deduction based on available information. For example, "It seems to be raining outside, so take an umbrella".

What are some alternatives to "it seems to be"?

You can use phrases like "it appears to be", "it suggests that", or "it would seem that" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

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

It's appropriate when you want to express a non-definitive observation or a conclusion based on partial information. It's useful when you're not entirely certain but have reason to believe something is the case.

Is "it seems to be" formal or informal?

"It seems to be" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.