seem good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something appears to be satisfactory or acceptable. Example: "The proposal you submitted seems good, and I believe we can move forward with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her chances seem good.

The New York Times - Arts

This would seem good news.

The Economist

Rigid debt contracts may seem good in booms.

The Economist

Statistically, the plaintiffs' chances of prevailing seem good.

The New York Times

His chances of getting what he wants seem good.

The New York Times

The great only seem good, because the form is thin.

The New York Times - Books

Nor does it seem good enough, in this case, to sit calmly waiting for an inquiry.

Independent

The smiling company of the photographers made it seem good to do.

The New Yorker

A rejected deal would therefore seem good for AstraZeneca and good for Britain.

The Economist

He could drive to the airport, of course, but that didn't seem good enough.

The New Yorker

With bond yields so low, equities still seem good value to some.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem good" to express a preliminary or tentative assessment. It suggests that something appears positive based on the available information, but further evaluation may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "seem good" as a conclusive evaluation. It implies a preliminary assessment, so ensure your wording reflects this tentativeness rather than a final judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem good" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to an adjective that describes its apparent quality or condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a preliminary evaluation, not a definitive judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem good" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying a preliminary positive assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with an adjective that describes its apparent quality. While versatile across contexts, it is most common in news and media, and it’s considered neutral in register. When employing this expression, bear in mind it suggests a tentative evaluation that may require further confirmation. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as ""appear satisfactory"" might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear satisfactory

Focuses on the appearance of meeting requirements or expectations.

look promising

Suggests a positive future outcome based on current signs.

sound acceptable

Highlights the auditory impression of something being agreeable or suitable.

strike as positive

Emphasizes the initial impression as favorable.

come across well

Indicates a favorable reception or impression.

feel right

Conveys a sense of appropriateness or correctness based on intuition.

seem advantageous

Highlights potential benefits or favorable outcomes.

prove beneficial

Indicates that something will eventually yield positive results.

turn out nicely

Focuses on the end result being pleasing or satisfactory.

hold promise

Suggests a potential for a favorable outcome or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem good" to express that something appears promising or satisfactory, such as: "The plan to reduce costs "seem good" on paper, but we need to analyze its practical implications."

What are some alternatives to "seem good"?

Alternatives include "appear satisfactory", "look promising", or "sound acceptable", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "seem good" in formal writing?

While "seem good" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "appear satisfactory" or "prove beneficial" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What does "seem good" imply about the level of certainty?

"Seem good" implies a degree of uncertainty or a preliminary assessment. It suggests that while initial indications are positive, further evaluation or confirmation may be needed.