may seem to

USAGE SUMMARY

"may seem to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express uncertainty or possibility when describing someone's perception or understanding of something. Example: The answer may seem to be obvious, but upon closer examination, it becomes more complex.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These may seem to be reasonable positions.

The New York Times

Hall and Brenton may seem to have been unlikely allies.

The Guardian

At first blush, these products may seem to be nonstarters.

The New York Times - Tech

This is not the stretch it may seem to be.

The New York Times

The choice may seem to have been a strange one.

The New York Times

Simple remarks may seem to be loaded with deeper meanings.

The New York Times

Events may seem to have borne out Menand's warning.

The New York Times

For Mr. Seselj it may seem to be a victory.

The New York Times

We may seem to be trying too hard.

The New York Times

The result may seem to fly in the face of common sense.

The New York Times

Still, by American standards, Los Angeles doesn't lag as far behind as it may seem to.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may seem to" to introduce a statement that you intend to qualify or challenge, indicating that the initial perception might not be the complete or accurate picture. Ensure that you follow up with a contrasting perspective or additional information to provide a more nuanced understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "may seem to" as a mere filler phrase. Always ensure that you provide a clear contrast or further explanation immediately after using the phrase to clarify the initial misleading impression. Failing to do so leaves the reader with an incomplete thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may seem to" functions as a qualifying expression. It introduces a statement that initially appears to be true but requires further examination or clarification. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses uncertainty or possibility when describing someone's perception. This contrasts with a direct assertion, signaling that the initial perception is subject to change or re-evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may seem to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression designed to introduce an element of nuance or qualification to a statement. Ludwig AI highlights its utility in expressing uncertainty or possibility. As demonstrated by numerous examples from varied sources, from The New York Times to scientific journals, the phrase serves to signal that an initial impression might not represent the complete picture. Therefore, it is crucial to provide subsequent clarification or contrasting information to avoid misleading the audience. Alternatives such as "might appear to" or "could be perceived as" can offer similar shades of meaning, depending on the desired emphasis. When using "may seem to", ensure that you follow it with a contrasting perspective for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might appear to

Replaces "seem" with "appear," maintaining the nuance of initial perception.

could be perceived as

Highlights the subjective interpretation of something.

might give the impression of

Emphasizes the creation of an impression, which might be misleading.

could strike one as

Indicates a personal initial reaction or assessment.

may create the illusion of

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the appearance.

might lead one to believe

Highlights the potential for a false belief based on appearance.

could easily be mistaken for

Emphasizes the possibility of misidentification or misunderstanding.

may be superficially

Adds the layer of superficiality indicating a lack of depth.

might be ostensibly

Highlights that something is presented as true, but is potentially not.

could conceivably be viewed as

Suggests a viewpoint that is possible, though perhaps not obvious.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may seem to" is used to introduce a statement that appears to be true or obvious at first glance, but might not be upon closer inspection. For example, "The problem "may seem to" be simple, but it's actually quite complex."

What are some alternatives to "may seem to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "might appear to", "could be perceived as", or "might give the impression of" instead of "may seem to".

Is it always necessary to follow "may seem to" with a contrasting statement?

While not always mandatory, it's best practice to provide a contrasting statement or further explanation after using "may seem to". This clarifies why the initial impression might be misleading and offers a more complete understanding.

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

"Is" states a fact, while "may seem to" introduces an apparent truth that might be different upon closer examination. "May seem to" implies a degree of uncertainty or potential misinterpretation, unlike the direct assertion of "is".