it seems to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an observation or impression that something is beginning or initiating. Example: "As I watched the clouds gather, it seems to start raining soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It seems to start here".

The New Yorker

It seems to start at puberty.

The Washington Post

What is more, it seems to start earlier every year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It seems to start in one village and then spread to other places around that area," she said.

The New York Times

First, there is a colour-gradation exercise between a capital A and an O, called Overture – Klee had been teaching at the Bauhaus for about 18 months, and it seems to start from one of his colour exercises.

The Guardian - Arts

Whether a trend is beneficial or not, I get irritable if it seems to start in the echo chamber of Manhattan and come with two guarantees: It won't last longer than a June bug and it does its best to empty your wallet before it has the decency to curl up and die.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Probably a firework as it seemed to start from the roof".

The Guardian

Ben Carson's presidential bid didn't end as well as it seemed to start.

The Guardian

It seemed to start in a conventional, tonal world but moved steadily into stranger terrain, ending with a long, urgent passacaglia of sombre beauty.

The Guardian - Music

Now by a funny twist of fate, Elliott is an All-Star in Ottawa, the city where he started his N.H.L. career, and where it seemed to start heading downhill.

The New York Times - Sports

It seemed to start around the time of her divorce, when she developed difficulty sleeping at night, with frequent awakenings.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems to start" when you want to convey an observation or impression rather than a definitive statement about the beginning of something.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems to start" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more direct and assertive language to convey your points with greater confidence and clarity. Alternatives like "it initiates" or "it begins" can be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems to start" functions as an introductory expression suggesting an observation or an impression regarding the commencement of an action or event. It conveys a sense of something beginning based on available information, without asserting definitive knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems to start" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a tentative observation about the beginning of an event or process. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to note its neutral to slightly informal register. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it initiates" or "it commences". It is an expression useful for conveying impressions without asserting absolute certainty. Remember to avoid overuse, especially in academic or professional writing, for a more impactful and confident tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears to commence

Replaces "seems" with "appears" for a slightly more formal tone, and "start" with "commence", also more formal.

it begins to look like

Shifts the focus to the visual aspect of something starting, implying observation.

it initiates

A more direct and concise way of saying something begins, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

it gets underway

Suggests that something is launching or commencing a process or journey.

it kicks off

An informal way of saying something begins, often used for events or projects.

it arises

Indicates the emergence or beginning of something, often unexpected.

it originates

Focuses on the source or initial point from which something starts.

it takes off

Implies a rapid or successful beginning, often used for careers or projects.

it dawns

Suggests a gradual or insightful beginning, often used for ideas or realizations.

it germinates

Implies a slow and steady beginning, often used for ideas or projects.

FAQs

What does "it seems to start" mean?

The phrase "it seems to start" suggests an observation or impression that something is beginning or initiating. It's used when you want to express a tentative or non-definitive beginning.

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

You can use "it seems to start" to describe the onset of an event or process. For example, "it seems to start here" or "it seems to start earlier every year".

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

Alternatives include "it appears to begin", "it looks like it's starting", or "it initiates" depending on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is "it seems to start" formal or informal?

"It seems to start" is generally considered neutral in tone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from more direct phrasing.