now it seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "now it seems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change in perception or understanding that has occurred over time. Example: "Now it seems that the project will be completed ahead of schedule, which is a pleasant surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it seems anachronistic.

The Economist

Now it seems prescient.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, it seems genius.

The New York Times

Now it seems commonplace.

Independent

Now it seems inevitable.

Independent

Now it seems justified.

The Economist

Now, it seems more plausible.

The New Yorker

Now, it seems, it doesn't.

The New Yorker

Now, it seems eminently reasonable.

The New York Times

Now, it seems, the I.P.O.

The New York Times

"Now it seems almost routine".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "now it seems" to highlight a contrast between a past perception and a present understanding. This helps to emphasize the evolution of your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "now it seems" in situations where there is no shift in perspective. It's best suited for scenarios where a change in understanding has occurred over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "now it seems" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause, indicating a change in perception or understanding. It provides a temporal perspective, contrasting a past view with a current one. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "now it seems" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a shift in perspective. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as academic contexts, and serves to contrast a past viewpoint with a present understanding. When using "now it seems", ensure you are highlighting a genuine change in perception rather than simply describing a static situation. Consider alternatives like "currently it appears" or "in retrospect it appears" to fine-tune your meaning. By avoiding overuse and ensuring contextually appropriate usage, you can effectively leverage the phrase to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

today it seems

Replaces "now" with "today" emphasizing the present time frame.

it now appears to be

Adds formality and specifies that something 'appears to be' a certain way.

currently it appears

Replaces "now" with "currently" emphasizing the present time frame, and "seems" with "appears" for a slightly more formal tone.

in today's light it seems

Suggests evaluating with current knowledge and context.

it has become apparent

Emphasizes the gradual realization of something.

at present it would seem

Adds a degree of formality and tentativeness to the statement.

with hindsight it looks

Indicates that a better understanding is achieved after the event.

in retrospect it appears

Highlights that the current understanding is based on looking back at past events.

as things stand now

Focuses on the present situation as the basis for the current perception.

things have turned out that way

Indicates that events have led to the current situation, making it seem a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "now it seems" in a sentence?

"Now it seems" is used to express a change in perspective or understanding. For example: "Initially, the plan seemed risky, but "now it seems" like the best option".

What are some alternatives to "now it seems"?

Alternatives include "currently it appears", "at present it would seem", or "in retrospect it appears", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "now it seems" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with "now it seems". It functions as an introductory phrase to indicate a revised viewpoint.

What is the difference between "now it seems" and "then it seemed"?

"Now it seems" reflects a current viewpoint, whereas "then it seemed" refers to a past perception. They are used to contrast how something is viewed at different points in time.