seem possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seem possible' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something appears likely to be true or possible. For example: The new vaccine looks promising, it seems possible that it could help end the pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Three scenarios seem possible.

The Economist

It doesn't seem possible.

The New York Times

Two explanations seem possible.

Columbia University

"It doesn't really seem possible".

Independent

Any, and all, seem possible.

The New York Times - Arts

It didn't seem possible.

The Guardian - Music

This might not seem possible at first.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it just didn't seem possible.

The New Yorker

"It just doesn't seem possible.

The Guardian

It made everything seem possible.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seems possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem possible" to convey a sense of potential or likelihood, especially when there is some evidence or reason to believe something could happen or be true. For instance, "With the new evidence, a breakthrough in the case seems possible."

Common error

While "seem possible" is versatile, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. To maintain variety and sophistication, consider alternatives like "appears feasible", "holds potential", or "is within the realm of possibility", especially in formal or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem possible" functions as a qualifier or modal expression. According to Ludwig, this indicates a degree of uncertainty or likelihood regarding an event or outcome. It suggests that something is not definitely certain, but there is a reasonable basis to believe it could occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem possible" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey potential or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase functions as a qualifier, indicating a degree of uncertainty while suggesting that something could happen or be true. When writing, consider that while "seem possible" is a useful phrase, overuse can lead to repetitiveness. Alternatives such as "appear feasible" or "hold potential" can enrich your writing. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "seem possible" to express possibilities in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear feasible

Replaces "seem" with "appear" and "possible" with "feasible", both near synonyms, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

be conceivable

Replaces "possible" with "conceivable", indicating that something is imaginable or capable of being believed.

look likely

"Look" is used instead of "seem", and "likely" instead of "possible", suggesting a probable outcome based on current evidence.

appear probable

Substitutes "seem" with "appear" and "possible" with "probable", implying a strong chance of occurrence.

be within the realm of possibility

This is a more verbose and formal way of saying something is possible, emphasizing that it's not outside the boundaries of what could happen.

be imaginable

Indicates that something can be pictured or thought of, suggesting a theoretical possibility.

be a viable option

Focuses on the practicality and workability of something, suggesting it's a realistic and achievable choice.

hold potential

Highlights the capacity for future success or development, implying that something has the inherent qualities to become possible.

present an opportunity

Suggests that circumstances are favorable for something to happen, making it more likely to become possible.

be on the cards

Suggests a high probability of something occurring, often in the near future.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem possible" to express that something has a reasonable chance of happening or being true. For example, "Given the current progress, a solution to the problem "seems possible"".

What are some alternatives to "seem possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appear feasible", "look likely", or "be within the realm of possibility".

Is "seems possible" grammatically different from "seem possible"?

"Seem possible" is used with plural subjects or when referring to a general possibility, while "seems possible" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Breakthroughs "seem possible"" versus "A breakthrough "seems possible"".

What's the difference between "seem possible" and "is possible"?

"Seem possible" implies an assessment or perception of possibility based on current information, while "is possible" states a factual possibility. "It "seems possible"" suggests an opinion, whereas "It "is possible"" states a potential fact.