make it seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make it seem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action, statement, or situation is intended to give a false impression. For example: "He made it seem like the project was already finished, but we're actually still in the planning stages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You've got to make it seem natural".

The New York Times - Arts

(It is, though, only what we make it seem).

The New York Times

Make it seem real (which I guess, technically, it was?).

The New Yorker

She said, "I will make it seem like motherhood".

The New York Times

This has also helped to make it seem less elitist.

The Economist

It was important to make it seem plausible, natural.

The New Yorker

"They make it seem so grand slam," she said.

The New York Times

"It takes great skill to make it seem natural".

The New York Times - Books

Marketing dirty coal to make it seem clean misleads people.

The Guardian

Guys, don't make it seem worse than it is!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had to go back and make it seem bad.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make it seem" when you want to emphasize the act of creating an impression, especially one that might be misleading or deceptive. It's useful for describing how someone or something is deliberately presented to give a certain idea.

Common error

While "make it seem" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "suggest", "indicate", or "imply" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it seem" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to describe the act of creating a particular impression, often with the implication of deception or artifice. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. It indicates an intention to present something in a certain light.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

40%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make it seem" is a versatile and commonly used idiomatic expression that describes the act of creating a specific impression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While suitable for general and news contexts, it's essential to consider more formal alternatives like "suggest" or "imply" in academic or business writing to maintain a professional tone. The phrase often carries the implication of artifice or deception, so be mindful of the nuances when using it. As the numerous examples demonstrate, it's valuable for illustrating the disparity between appearance and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the impression

Focuses more on the resulting impression rather than the action of creating it.

give the appearance of

Similar to 'give the impression' but slightly more formal.

create the illusion

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the impression.

present as

Focuses on the way something is shown or displayed.

project the image

Focuses on intentionally conveying a specific image.

lead one to believe

Highlights the act of influencing someone's belief.

purport to be

Suggests a claim or assertion that may be false.

foster the idea

Highlights nurturing the development of an idea.

feign

Implies a deliberate act of pretending or faking.

simulate

Focuses on creating a realistic imitation.

FAQs

How can I use "make it seem" in a sentence?

You can use "make it seem" to describe an action intended to give a particular impression, like: "He tried to make it seem like he knew what he was doing, but it was obvious he was just guessing."

What's a more formal alternative to "make it seem"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "give the impression" or "suggest". These options often sound more professional.

Is it always negative to use "make it seem"?

Not necessarily. While "make it seem" can imply deception, it can also simply describe efforts to present something in a particular light. For example: "She worked hard to make it seem effortless, even though it took hours of practice."

What is the difference between "make it seem" and "make it look"?

"Make it seem" refers to creating an impression or feeling, while "make it look" focuses more on the visual appearance. You make it seem like you're busy when you're not, but you "make it look" new by cleaning it.