may seem that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may seem that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a perception or impression that something appears to be a certain way, often introducing a subjective viewpoint. Example: "To some, it may seem that the project is behind schedule, but we are actually on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Odd as it may seem, that would be premature.

The New York Times - Sports

ZUCKERBERG: I know it may seem that way.

The New Yorker

I cannot agree to a rule, however technical it may seem, that leads to these results.

Cornell University

It may seem that gardeners are growing tomatoes, or zucchini, or pumpkins, corn, and beans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It may seem that money is a sure path to prestige and happiness.

University of California, Berkeley

Strange as it may seem, that may indeed explain why they took such risks.

The Guardian

"It may seem that way to you," Grams says, "but some of us have different standards".

The New Yorker

At times, it may seem that Front is neglecting the forest for the trees.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may seem that trees and thick shrubs could also be a significant noise deterrent.

The New York Times

It may seem that way, but it is not the case.

The New York Times

It may seem that Ramus' attitude toward Aristotle and the Aristotelians was not very consistent.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may seem that" to introduce a statement that reflects an initial impression or a superficial understanding of a situation, which you intend to qualify or challenge subsequently. This helps create nuance and depth in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "may seem that" excessively without presenting contrasting perspectives or deeper insights. Overuse can make your writing appear hesitant or lacking in conviction. Always aim to follow up with a more thorough analysis or alternative viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may seem that" functions as a hedging device, introducing a statement that presents something as potentially true or apparent but not necessarily definitive. It serves to qualify a statement, allowing for alternative interpretations or further elaboration. As seen in Ludwig, many examples use this phrase to introduce a premise before presenting a counter-argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may seem that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an apparent truth or initial impression, often setting the stage for further analysis or a contrasting viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse without providing substantive follow-up. Alternatives like "might appear that" or "it would seem that" can add nuance to your writing. Remember, this phrase is a valuable tool for expressing uncertainty and encouraging deeper exploration of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might appear that

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly weaker possibility or appearance.

could seem that

Substitutes "may" with "could", indicating a potential or conditional appearance.

it appears that

Changes the structure to focus on the appearance itself, rather than the possibility.

it would seem that

Emphasizes the impression or conclusion drawn from available evidence.

it might be thought that

Highlights the potential for a particular belief or opinion to exist.

one might think that

Introduces a general perspective or common assumption that may be held.

it could be interpreted that

Focuses on the interpretation of a situation or information, suggesting subjectivity.

it gives the impression that

Shifts the emphasis to the impression created, rather than the possibility of seeming.

it looks as if

Uses a more informal expression to convey a similar sense of apparent reality.

one gets the feeling that

Replaces "seem" with the more emotive "feeling", indicating intuition or sentiment.

FAQs

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

Use "may seem that" to introduce a statement that appears to be true at first glance, but might not be upon closer examination. For example, "It "may seem that" the project is failing, but we've made significant progress behind the scenes".

What phrases are similar to "may seem that"?

Similar phrases include "might appear that", "could seem that", and "it appears that". These alternatives offer similar ways to express an initial impression or superficial understanding.

Is there a more formal alternative to "may seem that"?

A more formal alternative is "it would seem that". This option is suitable for academic or professional writing where a higher level of formality is required.

What is the difference between "may seem that" and "is"?

"May seem that" introduces an element of uncertainty or appearance, suggesting something might not be exactly as it appears. "Is" states a fact. For example, "It "may seem that" the problem is simple, but it's actually quite complex" versus "The problem is simple".