seem as though

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem as though" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something appears to be the case even though it may not be. Example: It seemed as though everyone was having a great time at the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've been on this beat before, and it doesn't seem as though much has changed.

Los Angeles Times

It might seem as though it's fairly straightforward.

Yale University

It didn't seem as though anything I said would help, so I kept silent.

The New Yorker

But it doesn't seem as though Cameron has Morgan's support, either.

Independent

"She does not seem as though she had peaked," Jones said.

The New York Times - Sports

AT TIMES, it can seem as though London is stuck in 2008.

The Economist

The eyelids may be retracted upward, making it seem as though the person is constantly staring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because you're writing nothing down, it may seem as though you're not writing at all.

The New York Times

At times, it might seem as though very little is happening.

The Guardian - Books

But it doesn't seem as though they'll be able to make any significant changes.

The Washington Post

At first sight, technology may not seem as though it will be very helpful here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem as though" to introduce a tentative conclusion or observation based on available evidence, acknowledging that it might not be the definitive truth.

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, consider using more precise and direct language to convey your observations. While "seem as though" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less confident. Strive for clarity and conciseness by using stronger verbs or more specific descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seem as though" is to act as a linking verb introducing a subordinate clause. It connects a subject to a description of how something appears or is perceived. Ludwig confirms the correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem as though" is a versatile phrase used to express how something appears or is perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While acceptable in most situations, it's essential to avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a confident tone. By considering alternatives like "appear to be" or "give the impression of", writers can enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

Focuses more on the visual aspect of seeming, emphasizing how something looks.

give the impression of

Highlights the idea of creating a specific feeling or perception in someone's mind.

look like

A more direct and simple way of saying something appears to be something else.

suggest that

Implies a subtle indication or hint that something is the case, rather than a strong appearance.

create the illusion of

Emphasizes that the appearance might be deceptive or not entirely accurate.

strike as

Indicates an immediate and often subjective feeling or judgment.

convey the idea of

Focuses on communicating a particular concept or understanding.

have the hallmarks of

Suggests that something possesses the typical characteristics or features of something else.

present itself as

Highlights how something is outwardly displayed or represented.

purport to be

Suggests that something claims to be something else, potentially falsely.

FAQs

How can I use "seem as though" in a sentence?

You can use "seem as though" to express an appearance or impression, as in "It "seemed as though" everyone was enjoying the party".

What are some alternatives to "seem as though"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "give the impression of", or "look like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "seem as though"?

While generally correct, overuse in formal writing can make your tone less assertive. Consider using stronger verbs to convey confidence. For example, instead of "It "seemed as though" he was lying", you could say "He was lying" if the evidence strongly supports that conclusion.

What's the difference between "seem as though" and "seem like"?

"Seem as though" and "seem like" are often interchangeable in informal contexts, but "seem as though" can sometimes sound more formal or literary. In very formal writing, it's advisable to use another alternative.