seem at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem at ease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who appears relaxed or comfortable in a situation. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she seemed at ease, calmly handling the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They did not seem at ease.

The New Yorker

For the first time, Phelps did not seem at ease.

The New York Times - Sports

None of these performers, in fact, seem at ease in the skins of their characters.

The New York Times

Be that as it may, he did not seem at ease with himself.

The Guardian - Sport

In any case, as the race heads into its final weekend, Mr. Florio's aides seem at ease with themselves.

The New York Times

But they seem at ease with the sharp responses, saying they believe the work will help heal a country torn by racism.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He seemed at ease.

The New York Times

O'Neill seemed at ease that night.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hassan, though, seemed at ease.

The New York Times

Some seemed at ease, others confused.

Princeton University

Dr. Barbour seemed at ease in tension.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in fiction, use "seem at ease" to subtly convey a sense of inner calm or confidence, especially when contrasted with a stressful environment.

Common error

Avoid using "seem at ease" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "composed", "confident", or "well-prepared" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem at ease" functions as a descriptor of someone's outward appearance or demeanor, suggesting they appear relaxed, comfortable, or confident in a particular situation. As Ludwig indicates, it's a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem at ease" is a useful way to describe someone who appears relaxed or comfortable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and understandable in English. Although examples are uncommon in various sources, they're most frequently found in news and media. For greater impact in formal writing, consider stronger synonyms such as "composed" or "confident". When writing, use "seem at ease" to describe one's physical appearance, and "feel at ease" to describe one's actual state of comfort. To diversify your writing consider phrases like "appear comfortable" or "look relaxed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear comfortable

Focuses on the outward appearance of comfort rather than an overall sense of ease.

look relaxed

Emphasizes the relaxed physical demeanor of the subject.

feel at home

Suggests a sense of belonging and comfort in a particular environment.

be comfortable

A more general expression of comfort, without necessarily implying a specific situation.

be relaxed

Similar to 'look relaxed' but can also imply a state of mind.

exude confidence

Implies a strong sense of self-assurance that may or may not be related to being at ease.

display composure

Highlights the ability to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in challenging situations.

maintain poise

Focuses on maintaining an elegant and balanced manner, often in formal settings.

handle it smoothly

Emphasizes the efficiency in which someone handles a task without necessarily being "at ease".

take it easy

Suggests a casual and relaxed approach to a situation, emphasizing a lack of stress or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "seem at ease" in a sentence?

You can use "seem at ease" to describe someone who appears relaxed and comfortable. For example, "Despite the pressure, she "seemed at ease" during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "seem at ease"?

Alternatives to "seem at ease" include "appear comfortable", "look relaxed", or "feel at home" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "seem at ease" or "be at ease"?

"Seem at ease" describes an outward appearance, while "be at ease" describes an actual state of comfort. Use "seem at ease" when you want to convey how someone appears, and "be at ease" when describing their true state.

What is the difference between "seem at ease" and "feel at ease"?

"Seem at ease" implies an outward appearance of comfort, while "feel at ease" describes an internal state of comfort. For example, someone might "seem at ease" even if they don't "feel at ease".