may seem to be

USAGE SUMMARY

'may seem to be' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express an opinion or idea that appears to be true based on visual observation, but may not necessarily be concrete. Example: The explanation provided by the professor may seem to be confusing, but it is actually quite straightforward.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These may seem to be reasonable positions.

The New York Times

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

Simple remarks may seem to be loaded with deeper meanings.

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

At first glance, his pieces may seem to be free-form explorations of texture.

The New York Times - Arts

"Making Sense of Wine" is not, though it may seem to be, a primer.

The New York Times - Food

"It is one of the areas in which the industry may seem to be grasping.

The New York Times

Baseball and football may seem to be opposite in many respects.

The New York Times

So what may seem to be a public-spirited act is creating litter and environmental damage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "may seem to be" with a contrasting statement to create a sense of intrigue and encourage deeper reflection from your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "may seem to be" excessively when making straightforward claims. Overuse can weaken your argument and make your writing appear hesitant or uncertain. Opt for direct assertions when the evidence supports them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may seem to be" functions as a qualifier or hedge, introducing statements that appear true initially but might not be upon closer examination. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may seem to be" serves as a linguistic tool to introduce nuance and signal potential discrepancies between appearance and reality. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication, functioning as a hedge to invite deeper analysis or consideration. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, overuse in declarative contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and strength in writing. Ultimately, "may seem to be" is a valuable asset for writers aiming to present multifaceted perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might appear to be

Substitutes 'might' for 'may', suggesting a slightly lower degree of probability or certainty.

could be perceived as

Emphasizes the subjective perception of something, rather than its inherent nature.

might be thought to be

Highlights the act of thinking or considering something, suggesting a more reflective assessment.

could be understood as

Focuses on the interpretation or understanding of something, implying a specific perspective.

might strike one as

Indicates an initial impression or feeling, emphasizing a personal reaction.

could give the impression of being

Highlights that something creates a particular impression, which may or may not be accurate.

might be construed as

Suggests a particular interpretation or construction of something, often in a legal or formal context.

on the surface, appears to be

Emphasizes a superficial observation, implying that a deeper examination may reveal something different.

ostensibly is

Indicates that something is presented or declared as being a certain way, but may not actually be so.

superficially is

Implies that something's true nature is more complex than its appearance suggest.

FAQs

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

Use "may seem to be" to introduce a statement that presents an initial impression or appearance, which you will then qualify or contradict with further information. For instance, "The task "may seem to be" daunting, but with careful planning, it is manageable."

What are some alternatives to "may seem to be"?

Alternatives include "might appear to be", "could be perceived as", or "might be thought to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "may seem to be" in writing?

It's suitable to use "may seem to be" when you want to introduce an idea or situation that has a particular appearance but requires further explanation or clarification. This is useful when you want to challenge assumptions or present a more nuanced view.

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

"May seem to be" suggests that something's appearance may differ from its reality. "Is", on the other hand, states a fact or definitive truth. Using "may seem to be" implies that there is room for doubt or a different perspective, while "is" makes a direct assertion.