problem still seems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem still seems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an ongoing issue or situation that appears to persist despite previous attempts to address it. Example: "Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, the problem still seems to be affecting the system's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is hardest to mount a major effort while a problem still seems minor.

The New Yorker

Because economic growth is fuelled by innovative firms boosting their productivity, these disincentives could be holding back the wider economy.Sadly, a solution to this problem still seems far off.

The Economist

Nevertheless, a further problem still seems to remain unresolved: according to Kepler's explication, the planets should move around the Sun as fast as the Sun itself rotates, which is not the case.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Until last summer, the Houthi problem still seemed remote from the capital but in July the rebels captured Amran, little more than 30 miles northwest of Sana'a.

The Guardian - Opinion

But to see him do it, and without apparent problems, still seems new.

The New York Times - Arts

Even so, Toyota's problems still seemed manageable, and actually weren't too unusual.

The New York Times

For a start, Fincher's outpouring of fatherly love runs counter to his evident dislike for Alien 3, a problem child he still seems eager to farm out for adoption.

The Guardian

Alonzo Church, in his comments to the Congress in Moscow, suggested that the "Gödel-Cohen results and subsequent extensions of them have the consequence that there is not one set theory but many, with the difference arising in connection with a problem which intuition still seems to tell us must 'really' have only one true solution".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In spite of its myriad problems, big oil still seems to be in the driver's seat.

The New York Times

Back pain is one of the UK's costliest and least understood health problems, whose prevalence still seems to be increasing.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

ISRCTN: ISRCTN30420389 Back pain is one of the UK's costliest and least understood health problems, whose prevalence still seems to be increasing [ 1].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problem still seems", ensure that the context clearly establishes the problem has been previously addressed or acknowledged. This phrase works best when indicating a lack of progress or resolution despite prior efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "problem still seems" when first introducing a problem. This phrase implies the problem has been ongoing or previously discussed. Instead, use "the problem seems" or "there appears to be a problem" for initial introductions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem still seems" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion that a problem definitively exists. It indicates that, based on available evidence, the problem continues to be apparent. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problem still seems" is grammatically correct and used to express the apparent continuation of an issue. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase is relatively rare, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. The phrase serves as a hedge, indicating the problem's persistence is based on observation rather than definitive proof. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes prior knowledge of the problem and that a more direct assertion isn't more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problem appears to persist

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "still" with "to persist", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the problem.

the issue remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the appearance of the problem, using "remains unresolved" instead of "still seems".

the difficulty continues to exist

Uses more formal language, replacing "problem" with "difficulty" and "still seems" with "continues to exist".

the challenge is ongoing

Simplifies the phrase, using "challenge" instead of "problem" and "is ongoing" to convey the continuous nature.

the matter is yet to be settled

Emphasizes the lack of a final decision or solution, using "is yet to be settled" instead of "still seems".

the predicament lingers

Uses more evocative language, replacing "problem" with "predicament" and "still seems" with "lingers", suggesting a prolonged and unpleasant situation.

the situation hasn't improved

Shifts the focus to the lack of improvement, using "hasn't improved" instead of directly addressing the problem's appearance.

the trouble continues

Uses a more informal term, "trouble", and a simpler verb, "continues", to indicate the persistence of the issue.

the concern is still present

Highlights the continued presence of a concern, using "is still present" instead of "still seems".

no solution is apparent yet

Focuses on the absence of a visible solution, using "no solution is apparent yet" to replace "problem still seems".

FAQs

How can I use "problem still seems" in a sentence?

You can use "problem still seems" to indicate that an issue continues to persist despite previous attempts to resolve it. For example: "Despite the new software update, the performance problem still seems to be affecting the system."

What can I say instead of "problem still seems"?

You can use alternatives like "the issue remains unresolved", "the problem appears to persist", or "the difficulty continues to exist" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "problem still seems"?

While "still" and "seems" both imply a continuation, they serve slightly different functions. "Still" indicates continuation from a previous state, while "seems" suggests an appearance or impression. Using them together emphasizes both aspects: the problem continues to give a certain impression. Using alternatives like "the issue remains unresolved" could be more concise.

What's the difference between "problem still seems" and "problem still exists"?

"Problem still seems" suggests the problem is apparent but may not be definitively confirmed, whereas "problem still exists" indicates the problem is known and confirmed. "Seems" introduces an element of perception or impression, unlike "exists" which implies a factual state. An alternative to "problem still exists" could be "the issue persists".