it seems to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems to work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express that something appears to be functioning properly or as expected. Example: "I've been trying to fix my computer all day, but it seems to work now after I restarted it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It seems to work.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, it seems to work.

The Economist

It seems to work pretty well".

The New York Times - Sports

Now it seems to work.

Yale University

It seems to work backwards.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems to work for him".

The New York Times - Sports

"It seems to work, nobody knows how.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems to work, I guess".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It seemed to work.

The New York Times

Somehow it seemed to work.

The New York Times - Arts

It seemed to work in our favour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider adding a qualifier to "it seems to work" to provide more context. For example, "it seems to work well", or "it seems to work in practice".

Common error

Avoid using "it seems to work" when you have concrete evidence of success. This phrase implies uncertainty, so use more definitive language if you have data to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems to work" primarily functions as a hedge, softening a statement about the efficacy or functionality of something. As supported by Ludwig, it expresses a tentative assessment rather than a definitive declaration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems to work" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative observation about the effectiveness or functionality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from news reports and academic discussions to informal conversations. While it indicates a degree of uncertainty, it serves as a qualified endorsement, suggesting that based on current evidence, something is likely functional. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the level of certainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears to be effective

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "work" with "effective", focusing on the outcome or result.

it would seem to be working

Introduces a hypothetical or conditional element to the observation.

it looks like it's working

Uses "looks like" to convey a visual impression of functionality, adding a sense of observation.

it appears to function correctly

Replaces "work" with the more formal "function correctly", suitable for technical contexts.

it gives every indication of working

Emphasizes that all signs point towards proper functionality.

it gives the impression of working

Emphasizes the subjective perception of something functioning, rather than an objective fact.

it's apparently working

Adds a sense of indirect knowledge or hearsay regarding the functioning of something.

it seems to be successful

Focuses on the success aspect of the action, instead of the general functionality.

it is proving to be effective

Highlights the process of demonstrating effectiveness over time.

it has shown positive results

Focuses on the results achieved, emphasizing empirical evidence of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems to work" to express a tentative observation about the effectiveness of something. For example: "The new strategy is risky, but "it seems to work" so far."

What can I say instead of "it seems to work"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears to be effective", "it looks like it's working", or "it gives the impression of working" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it seems to work" or "it seems to be working"?

Both "it seems to work" and "it seems to be working" are correct. "It seems to work" implies a general observation, while "it seems to be working" suggests an ongoing process.

What's the difference between "it seems to work" and "it is working"?

"It seems to work" expresses a tentative observation based on current impressions, while "it is working" states a more definite fact about the current state of functionality.