seem open to

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem open to" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to appear willing to consider or accept something. It can be used to express someone's attitude or reaction towards a suggestion or idea. Example: Sally's facial expression seemed open to the possibility of going on a hike this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

They seem open to the idea of deployment of Muslim soldiers.

The Guardian - Opinion

They will ask health-care staff to keep an eye out for patients and colleagues who seem open to extremism.

The Economist

Yet the Palestinians seem open to entering direct talks, and have been careful not to set firm preconditions.

The New York Times

So dramatically has culture changed since that heady time that some of this might even seem open to satire.

The New York Times

With the heat on, some companies seem open to further concessions — while others may be tempted to walk away altogether.

The New York Times - Health

It should not be surprising that many of the photographs in the show seem open to various interpretations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Note whether people seem opening to answering these questions or not.

WikiHow

Mr. O'Connor seems open to compromise.

The New York Times

The family seemed open to magic.

The New York Times - Magazine

His son seems open to acquiring expertise.

The Economist

The line seems open to many interpretations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem open to", ensure the context clarifies what the subject is open to. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "seem open to" without specifying what the openness pertains to. Vague usage can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem open to" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective phrase and a preposition. It describes a subject's apparent attitude toward something. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing tentative agreement or consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem open to" is a versatile phrase used to describe an apparent willingness to consider or accept something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. Related phrases like "appear receptive to" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "seem open to", ensure clarity by specifying what the subject is open to. Keep in mind that the phrase conveys an impression rather than a guarantee. Due to its frequent use and neutral register, the phrase is a solid choice for clear and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give the impression of being open to

Focuses on the perceived appearance of openness.

be receptive to the idea of

Explicitly states openness to a specific concept.

appear receptive to

Indicates a positive initial impression or attitude.

appear amenable to

Suggests a willingness to be persuaded or to agree.

show willingness to consider

Highlights the act of thoughtfully entertaining a proposal.

look favorably upon

Implies a positive evaluation or consideration.

demonstrate receptiveness toward

Emphasizes the active display of openness.

be inclined towards

Indicates a tendency or preference for something.

express interest in

Shows a degree of curiosity or potential engagement.

be not averse to

Expresses a lack of opposition, implying acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "seem open to" in a sentence?

You can use "seem open to" to indicate a tentative willingness or receptiveness. For instance, "The committee members "seem open to" the proposed changes" suggests they are considering the changes favorably.

What are some alternatives to "seem open to"?

Alternatives include "appear receptive to", "appear amenable to", or "express interest in". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "seems open to" or "seem open to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "seems open to" for singular subjects (e.g., "He seems open to the idea"), and "seem open to" for plural subjects (e.g., "They seem open to negotiation").

What does it mean when someone "seems open to" something?

It indicates they give the impression of being willing to consider or accept an idea, suggestion, or proposal, though it doesn't guarantee final agreement or acceptance. It suggests a positive initial disposition.