seem

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "seem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb indicating that something appears to be the case based on evidence. For example: At first glance, it seems as though the painting is missing some elements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or so it would seem.

The New York Times

It's irritating that you don't seem to take the point.

The Guardian

But more of his counterparts seem to view restoring the rule as a step backward.

The New York Times

To be in this position... it doesn't seem real.

The Guardian - Sport

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

And while the Yale economist Robert Shiller has long advocated using markets to help individuals protect themselves against things like declining house prices or future unemployment, the chances of that happening now seem smaller than ever.

The Economist

It just didn't seem right.

The New York Times

With this legislation pending, as well as a presidential campaign and an ongoing battle to reform the NSA, it doesn't seem likely that Paul is ready to follow in Gravel's footsteps.

The Guardian

We seem to have no politicians big enough to address the issue of a viable future for working people.

The Guardian

Sandi Toksvig, who launched WEP last month, said her decision to leave the News Quiz for politics was because: "It's very interesting that most of the mainstream parties seem to treat women's issues as if we were a minority group rather than in fact what we are, which is the majority of the country … you get childcare talked about as if it was only a woman's issue".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem" to express an opinion or observation that is based on available evidence but is not definitively proven. It's ideal for softening claims and avoiding overly assertive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "seemed" when "seem" is more appropriate for ongoing or general conditions. For example, instead of "It seemed like a good idea then", consider "It seems like a good idea now" if the idea still holds merit.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seem" is to serve as a linking verb. It connects the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, expressing an appearance or impression. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "seem" is a versatile tool for expressing impressions and softening statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a linking verb, connecting subjects to their attributes while conveying a sense of appearance rather than definitive fact. Commonly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, "seem" is suitable for both formal and informal communication. While "seem" is generally straightforward, awareness of potential tense errors and the subtle differences between "seem" and similar words like "appear" can further refine your writing. By incorporating these insights, you can use "seem" effectively to communicate nuanced perspectives with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

This alternative maintains a high degree of similarity, directly substituting "seem" with a more formal equivalent to indicate an outward appearance.

give the impression of

This phrase conveys a slightly stronger sense of perceived reality compared to "seem", emphasizing the impression something creates.

look like

Less formal than "seem", this option is suitable for casual contexts where a direct comparison is implied.

strike as

This alternative suggests a more immediate and subjective impression.

come across as

This phrase implies an impression formed through interaction or observation of behavior.

be perceived as

This alternative focuses on how something is viewed by others, adding an element of external judgment.

suggest

Indicates a more subtle indication or hint, rather than a direct appearance.

indicate

This term infers the existence of evidence pointing toward a particular conclusion or state.

portray

Emphasizes the representation or depiction of something in a particular way.

look to be

A variation of "look like", this phrase suggests a future or potential state.

FAQs

How can I use "seem" in a sentence?

Use "seem" to express an appearance or impression, such as in "He "seems to be tired"" or "It "seems like a good idea"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "seem"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "look like", or "give the impression of", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it correct to say "it seems that" or "it seems like"?

Both "it seems that" and "it seems like" are grammatically correct, though "it seems that" is often considered more formal. For example, "It "seems that he is busy"" versus "It "seems like he is busy"".

What's the difference between "seem" and "appear"?

"Seem" and "appear" are often interchangeable, but "appear" can sometimes imply a more definite or factual observation. "Seem" suggests a subjective impression, while "appear" can also refer to something becoming visible.