seem like new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem like new" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be in excellent condition or as if it has just been made or acquired. Example: "After a thorough cleaning, the old sofa seems like new, ready to be used again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These seem like new questions but in a sense they're old questions.

University of California, Berkeley

Grindr and the many other apps of "hookup culture" at first seem like new ways of encouraging connection.

The Guardian

Even mistakes seem like new territory for Bieber: Since breaking out at 15 he's seen five of his albums hit No. 1 on Billboard's 200 albums chart and nearly 20 songs crack the Top 40.

Independent

Across the road Ijnad's employer, Awni Sultan, 47, has set up a powerful hand-operated vice to straighten each individual rod, squeezing and bending out the kinks until they seem like new.

The Guardian

No longer do computers or data seem like new things, rather they are the newest way we are gathering data, recording data, and presenting data.

Huffington Post

A lick of paint can make a room seem like new.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The NYT says it will calculate loyalty based on the duration of their subscriptions, so it doesn't seem like newer subscribers will make the cut.

TechCrunch

QUESTION FROM GUEST: This seems like New Yorker staff procrastination.

The New Yorker

This seems like new behavior, and indicates that climate system mayhem is ongoing.

The Washington Post

People who once seemed like new friends gradually stopped returning his texts.

The New Yorker

"With the recession, it seems like new mothers are pitching in and working when they otherwise might not," Ms. Dye said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem like new" to describe objects or experiences that have been restored or refreshed to a state resembling their original condition. For example, "After the renovation, the house seems like new."

Common error

While "seem like new" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly informal in very formal writing. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "appears revitalized" or "exhibits a pristine condition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem like new" functions as a descriptive phrase. It is used to attribute a quality of newness or restored condition to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English to describe something in excellent condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem like new" is a descriptive expression used to convey that something has been restored or refreshed to resemble its original, new condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While applicable across various contexts, including news media and general conversation, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Common alternatives include "appear brand new" or "look as good as new". The frequency analysis from Ludwig indicates that the phrase is commonly found in news, media, and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear brand new

Focuses on the visual aspect of being new.

look as good as new

Highlights the appearance matching a new item's quality.

feel like new

Emphasizes the sensation or experience of something being new.

present a fresh appearance

More formal way of saying that something looks new.

have a renewed quality

Implies a restoration to a new-like state.

look revitalized

Suggests an active process of becoming new or refreshed.

exhibit a pristine condition

Highlights an unblemished and perfect state.

appear in mint condition

Uses a specific term implying perfection.

give the impression of newness

Focuses on creating a sense of being new.

strike as recently made

Implies a perception of something being recently created.

FAQs

How can I use "seem like new" in a sentence?

You can use "seem like new" to describe something that has been restored or refreshed to appear as if it is new. For example, "After a fresh coat of paint, the room "seems like new"".

What are some alternatives to "seem like new"?

Alternatives include "appear brand new", "look as good as new", or "feel like new", depending on whether you want to emphasize the visual, qualitative, or sensory aspect.

Is it correct to say "seems like newer" instead of "seem like new"?

No, "seems like newer" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "seem like new", which describes a state of appearing as if it is new.

What's the difference between "look new" and "seem like new"?

"Look new" focuses solely on the visual appearance of something, while "seem like new" implies that something not only looks new but also gives the impression of being in a new or restored condition.