seem elusive

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem elusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something difficult to pin down, describe, or explain. For example: "The cause of the mysterious illness seemed elusive despite the countless tests run by the medical team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

As the rancor deepens, solutions seem elusive.

The New York Times

But concrete strategies for generating a win-win negotiation contract often seem elusive.

Harvard University

His nickname made him seem elusive, a figment of her outsize fantasy life.

The New York Times

The lugubrious pacing changed the song, making its heroic aspirations seem elusive, if not delusional.

The New York Times

This 20-minute piece, in seven connected movements, may seem elusive on the surface.

The New York Times - Arts

"Almost anything can seem elusive once you try to define it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But a deal seemed elusive.

The Economist

In Afghanistan, too, success still seems elusive.

The New York Times

In practice, such magic wear rate still seems elusive.

Wear

Compromise seemed elusive, as did trust between the fractured nations.

Harvard University

Justice seems elusive here because it is so plodding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem elusive" when describing concepts, goals, or solutions that are hard to define or achieve, despite efforts to understand them.

Common error

Avoid using "seem elusive" to describe everyday difficulties; reserve it for situations where the challenge is genuinely complex or abstract. For example, instead of saying "Finding my keys seemed elusive", opt for "Finding my keys was difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem elusive" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject by describing its quality of being difficult to grasp or define. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem elusive" is a versatile expression used to describe something difficult to grasp, define, or achieve. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and general applicability. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, reserve it for situations involving genuine complexity, and consider related phrases like "appear unattainable" or "be difficult to define" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be difficult to define

Focuses specifically on the challenges of providing a clear and concise definition.

are hard to pin down

Emphasizes the difficulty in specifying something exactly.

prove difficult to identify

Emphasizes the problem of discovering or recognizing something.

prove difficult to grasp

Highlights the challenge in understanding or comprehending something.

be difficult to achieve

Highlights the struggle involved in accomplishing something, shifting from understanding to accomplishment.

stay undefined

Highlights the absence of definition, differing from the active process of trying to define.

appear unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching something, emphasizing its unreachability rather than difficulty in understanding.

remain vague

Focuses on the lack of clarity, emphasizing a general lack of definition rather than a struggle to define.

feel unattainable

Emphasizes the subjective feeling of something being impossible to achieve.

remain just out of reach

Suggests something is nearly obtainable but ultimately not achieved, differing from being hard to define.

FAQs

How can I use "seem elusive" in a sentence?

You can use "seem elusive" to describe something that's hard to grasp or achieve. For example, "A clear solution to the problem "seemed elusive" despite our best efforts".

What are some alternatives to "seem elusive"?

Alternatives include "appear unattainable", "be difficult to define", or "are hard to pin down", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "seems elusive" or "is elusive"?

"Seems elusive" suggests a perception or impression, while "is elusive" states it as a fact. The choice depends on whether you're expressing an opinion or stating a definitive quality. For example, "The answer seems elusive" implies it's your current perception, whereas "The answer is elusive" implies it's inherently hard to find.

What's the difference between "seem elusive" and "seem impossible"?

"Seem elusive" implies something is hard to define, grasp, or achieve, while "seem impossible" suggests it's unattainable. Elusiveness involves difficulty in understanding or capturing something, while impossibility suggests it cannot be done.