seem like that

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem like that" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something appears to be true or to express a judgment about the likelihood of something being true. For example, "She seems like that she'll be happy with the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"He didn't seem like that.

The New York Times

The US doesn't seem like that.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, it doesn't always seem like that.

The Guardian - Film

In practice it often does not seem like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, though, it did not seem like that.

The New York Times - Arts

JS: It really doesn't seem like that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It sometimes seems like that.

The Guardian

Maybe some are like this, but nobody I've talked to seems like that.

Yale University

Mediation seems like that.

HuffPost

It seems like that wouldn't work.

The New Yorker

It had never seemed like that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem like that" to express a subjective assessment or impression rather than a definitive statement of fact.

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using more precise language to convey your meaning. Over-reliance on "seem like that" can make your writing sound vague. Instead of saying "The data seem like that they support the hypothesis", consider a more precise statement such as "The data support the hypothesis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem like that" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating a subjective impression or assessment. It suggests a perception that something is true or likely based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

17%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem like that" is a valid and useful expression for conveying subjective impressions or assessments. While grammatically sound and recognized by Ludwig AI, it's more common in neutral contexts like news and media. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives to avoid vagueness. Although this expression is valid, remember to be mindful of its frequency and context. Prioritize clarity by using more precise alternatives where necessary. Understanding the appropriate register and nuances helps refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be so

Replaces "seem" with "appear", focusing on outward appearance.

give that impression

Emphasizes the impression created by something.

look that way

Focuses on visual appearance as the basis for the impression.

strike one as such

A more formal way of saying something gives a particular impression.

come across in that manner

Highlights how something is perceived by others.

present itself that way

Focuses on how something portrays itself.

convey that sense

Emphasizes the communication of a specific feeling or idea.

have that quality

Indicates the presence of a particular attribute.

create that feeling

Highlights the emotional response generated.

suggest that

Implies a less direct indication or hint.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem like that" to express an impression or subjective assessment. For example, "After the presentation, it didn't "seem like that" the client was convinced."

What's a more formal alternative to "seem like that"?

For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "appears to be so", "gives that impression", or "suggests that". These options often provide a more precise and professional tone.

Which is correct, "seem like that" or "seems like that"?

Both ""seem like that"" and "seems like that" can be correct depending on the context. "Seem like that" is used with plural subjects or in certain constructions, while "seems like that" is used with singular subjects.

When is it appropriate to use "seem like that" in writing?

"Seem like that" is appropriate when you want to convey an impression or subjective assessment based on available information. It's suitable for expressing opinions or observations where absolute certainty isn't possible.