might seem that

USAGE SUMMARY

"might seem that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce something that appears to be true, often based on circumstantial evidence. For example: It might seem that the store is closed, but the lights are still on inside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It might seem that way.

The New York Times

It might seem that Belgium is getting a bargain.

The New York Times

It might seem that never the twain shall meet.

The Guardian - Books

It might seem that integrating molecular markers and quantitative methods would be a trivial task.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It might seem that lies on social networks have become as common as the truth.

The New York Times

It might seem that way, but I'm guessing he sees something more portentous in the parallels.

The New York Times

It might seem that Debussy and Schoenberg were the only true radicals in this roster.

The New York Times - Arts

It might seem that big Internet companies like these might have financial incentives to stay quiet.

The New Yorker

So far, it might seem that Friedman envisages only minimal moral constraints on business activity.

The New York Times

It might seem that panel doors are largely obsolete, but this is not the case.

The New York Times

Strange as it might seem, that had never occurred to me.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "might seem that" with a contrasting statement or explanation to reveal the complexity of the situation and avoid misleading the reader with a superficial observation.

Common error

Avoid using "might seem that" to introduce something that is unequivocally false. The phrase suggests a possibility or appearance of truth, so ensure there is at least some basis for the initial impression before introducing contradicting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might seem that" functions as a hedge, introducing a statement that appears to be true but may not be upon closer inspection. It softens the claim and invites consideration of alternative perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might seem that" serves as a linguistic tool to introduce perceptions that may require further scrutiny. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is grammatically correct, very common, and used across diverse fields such as news, science, and encyclopedias. It functions as a hedge, softening claims and inviting consideration of alternative perspectives. When using this phrase, remember to provide context, avoid stating falsehoods, and use alternatives like "may appear to be" for variety. "Might seem that" is a versatile phrase to introduce nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may appear to be

Changes the verb from "seem" to "appear", focusing on visual impression rather than general perception.

it could be that

Offers a straightforward alternative, focusing on possibility rather than appearance.

it would appear that

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing a conclusion based on available evidence.

it suggests that

Highlights the implication of evidence, rather than an outright statement of truth.

could be interpreted as

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the perception, highlighting different possible interpretations.

one might think that

Shifts the focus to a person's thought process, suggesting a possible but not necessarily accurate conclusion.

it would seem as if

Adds a touch of uncertainty and speculation to the apparent truth.

it gives the impression that

Focuses on the impression created, highlighting the subjective perception of something.

it looks like

Offers a more casual and direct alternative, focusing on visual assessment.

superficially, it looks as though

Specifies that the appearance is only superficial, not necessarily reflecting the underlying reality.

FAQs

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

Use "might seem that" to introduce a statement that appears true initially. For example, "It "might seem that" the project is failing, but we've made significant progress recently".

What are some alternatives to "might seem that"?

You can use alternatives like "may appear to be", "could be interpreted as", or "it could be that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "might seems that"?

No, the correct phrase is "might seem that". "Seem" should be in its base form after the modal verb "might".

What is the difference between "might seem that" and "must seem that"?

"Might seem that" suggests a possibility or appearance, while "must seem that" implies a necessity or obligation in appearance. "Might" indicates uncertainty, whereas "must" implies a stronger conviction or requirement.