seem more like

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem more like" is a correct and acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something as more resembling what you would expect of it. For example, "She seems more like a teacher than a lawyer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Far smaller steps seem more like it.

The New York Times

My words seem more like a mother scolding you.

The New York Times

"It makes NBC seem more like a cable network company".

The New York Times

Also low buzzer (they seem more like siblings to me).

The Guardian - Film

(Polling does often seem more like divination than science).

The New Yorker

They seem more like stalkers than fans, I say.

The Guardian - Music

Making androids seem more like regular people could make people trust robots more.

Yale University

Such facts seem more like curiosities than of any practical use.

The New York Times - Books

These numbers seem more like money in a Monopoly game than reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Cars now seem more like gadgets you can upgrade every couple of years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seemed more like, "We'll see if it happens".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem more like" to draw comparisons that highlight similarities between two distinct entities or concepts, enhancing clarity and understanding for your audience.

Common error

While "seem more like" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less precise. Opt for stronger verbs or more direct comparisons to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem more like" primarily functions as a comparative expression. It is used to draw a comparison between two subjects, indicating that one subject bears a greater resemblance to the compared subject than initially perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem more like" is a versatile comparative phrase used to draw parallels between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and finds it frequently used across News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. While its neutral register makes it broadly applicable, formal writing may benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase serves to highlight similarities, reframe perceptions, and offer alternative interpretations. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "seem more like" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be more akin to

This alternative uses stronger vocabulary to denote a closer resemblance.

look more in the nature of

Focuses on the inherent qualities that make something resemble something else.

come across as more of a

Emphasizes the impression something gives off, rather than a direct comparison.

strike one as more along the lines of

Indicates a perceived similarity, often subjective.

feel more reminiscent of

Highlights the feeling of familiarity or memory associated with the comparison.

resemble more closely

This alternative changes the structure, emphasizing a closer visual or characteristic similarity.

bear a greater likeness to

Uses formal language to describe a strong similarity in appearance or nature.

seem to take after

This alternative implies a hereditary or imitative similarity.

give the impression of being more of

This alternative emphasizes perceived impression and changes phrase construction.

approximate more to

Suggests a loose similarity or imperfect resemblance.

FAQs

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

Use "seem more like" to compare something to something else, suggesting a resemblance or similarity. For example, "His actions "seem more like" a cry for help than genuine anger".

What's the difference between "seem" and "seem more like"?

"Seem" implies a general appearance or impression, while "seem more like" suggests a comparison to something specific, indicating a closer resemblance to that particular thing.

What can I say instead of ""seem more like""?

You can use alternatives such as "appear to be", "resemble", or "strike one as" depending on the context.

Is "seem more like" formal or informal?

"Seem more like" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferable in highly formal writing.