may seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may seem" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used when expressing a possibility or uncertainty about a situation. For example, "The situation may seem hopeless, but I know we can find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may seem daunting.

The New York Times - Tech

That may seem radical.

The Economist

It may seem intimidating.

The New York Times

That may seem presumptuous.

The Economist

It may seem prosaic.

Independent

That may seem sensible.

The Economist

That may seem perverse.

The Economist

This may seem unsurprising.

The Economist

That may seem churlish.

The Economist

That may seem logical.

Independent

That may seem surprising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "may seem" with a clarifying statement or explanation to avoid misleading your audience. Always provide context to support your initial claim.

Common error

Avoid using "may seem" when you intend to convey certainty. The phrase suggests possibility or appearance, not definitive truth. If something is definitively true, opt for stronger, more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may seem" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding the appearance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating it's a common and accepted way to introduce a potentially misleading appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may seem" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty about an initial appearance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across varied contexts—from news and media to scientific and formal business writing—underscores its broad applicability. Its purpose often lies in introducing a contrast or prompting a deeper consideration beyond initial impressions. As such, it is a valuable tool for nuanced and engaging communication. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that it accurately reflects the intended level of certainty and is supported by subsequent clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might appear

Replaces "seem" with "appear", indicating a similar but slightly more formal observation.

could appear

Similar to "might appear", but suggests a slightly weaker possibility.

might seem like

Adds "like" to explicitly compare the subject to something else, changing the focus slightly.

could be perceived as

Focuses on perception, implying that the appearance is subjective and open to interpretation.

may give the impression of

Emphasizes the impression created, rather than the direct appearance.

could strike one as

Indicates a personal reaction, making it clear that the appearance affects someone's opinion.

might come across as

Highlights how something is received, focusing on the communication of an impression.

can be regarded as

Suggests an evaluation or judgment, framing the appearance within a context of assessment.

is seemingly

Implies that the appearance may be deceptive, adding a layer of skepticism.

at first glance

Indicates an initial impression, specifying that further examination might reveal something different.

FAQs

How can I use "may seem" in a sentence?

Use "may seem" to introduce an idea that appears one way initially, but might be different upon closer examination. For example, "The task "may seem daunting", but with the right approach, it is manageable."

What are some alternatives to using "may seem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might appear", "could be perceived as", or "might seem like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "may seem" in formal writing?

Yes, "may seem" is suitable for formal writing as it maintains a professional tone while expressing possibility or contrast. It's common in academic and business contexts.

What's the difference between "may seem" and "is"?

"May seem" suggests an appearance that might not be entirely accurate or complete, implying further examination is needed. "Is" indicates a definitive statement of fact or reality.