it seems unreal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems unreal" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when something that is occurring or has occurred seems surprising or difficult to believe, as in the sentence: "After winning the lottery, it seems unreal that I'm able to retire early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Like high-definition TV, however, the triple-cooked chip is so perfect, so precise in its detail, that it seems unreal somehow; a chip from outside our common frame of chip reference.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seems unreal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's really happening, but it seems unreal.

The New York Times

"It seems unreal, like in a way you're cheating the music system because you didn't have to do anything.

The Guardian - Music

For that reason I have tried to make a film in which everything is very beautiful and pleasurable, even though it seems unreal," he said.

Independent

IT seems unreal to be considering the Chevrolet Malibu as an alternative to such world-class cars as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it has happened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It seemed unreal.

The New York Times

"It seemed unreal," she recalled.

The New York Times

"It seemed unreal," John Browne wrote in a 2010 memoir.

The New Yorker

To the victim's relatives, it seemed unreal that the Facebook entries could foreshadow such violence.

The New York Times

REYKJAVIK, Iceland — The collapse came so fast it seemed unreal, impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems unreal" to express disbelief or astonishment at an unexpected or surprising event. It's particularly effective when describing events that are positive or highly unusual.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems unreal" to describe everyday occurrences. The phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely evoke a sense of incredulity or wonder.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "it seems unreal" is to express a subjective feeling of disbelief or incredulity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. This is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems unreal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey disbelief, astonishment, or a sense of incredulity. As Ludwig AI notes, it's appropriate for describing situations that feel too extraordinary or unexpected to be true. While the expression is found in various sources, it's most prevalent in news and media contexts. When using "it seems unreal", reserve it for events that genuinely evoke a feeling of wonder or disbelief, avoiding overuse with mundane occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems imaginary

Directly compares the situation to something that is not real.

it feels dreamlike

Focuses on the similarity to a dream, emphasizing the lack of concrete reality.

it is too strange to be real

Directly questions the reality based on the strangeness of the situation.

it feels fantastical

Emphasizes the element of fantasy and impossibility.

it is like a fairy tale

Implies a magical or idealized quality that is divorced from reality.

it defies belief

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

it's hard to fathom

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding or comprehending something.

it borders on the impossible

Emphasizes how close the situation is to being something that cannot happen.

it's beyond comprehension

Highlights the extreme difficulty in understanding the situation.

it beggars description

Emphasizes the inadequacy of words to capture the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems unreal" to express disbelief or astonishment, for example: "After winning the competition, "it seems unreal" that I actually won".

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

Alternatives to "it seems unreal" include "it feels dreamlike", "it seems imaginary", or "it defies belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seems unreal" formal or informal?

"It seems unreal" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the situation than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "it seems unreal" and "it seemed unreal"?

"It seems unreal" refers to something that currently feels unbelievable, while "it seemed unreal" describes something that felt unbelievable in the past.