seem promising

USAGE SUMMARY

'seem promising' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something looks positive or likely to be successful. For example: "The initial results of the experiment seem promising."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The signs seem promising.

The New York Times

So far the results seem promising.

The New York Times

Chicago, on the face of it, did not seem promising.

The New York Times

From afar this concept does not seem promising.

The New York Times - Books

For Bear Stearns, the immediate prospects do not seem promising.

The New York Times

Center leaders say the early results seem promising.

The New York Times

My first stop did not initially seem promising.

The New York Times - Travel

These projections are best taken with a handful of salt, but the market does seem promising.

The New York Times

It would be foolish to guess, but preliminary signs, at least, seem promising.

The New York Times - Arts

Prospects for raises during the spring wage offensive (shunto), now under way, seem promising.

The Economist

While Pfizer does not have another Lipitor, analysts say several drugs seem promising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem promising", ensure that there is some tangible evidence or early indication to support the positive outlook. Avoid using it based solely on wishful thinking.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the prospects of something by using "seem promising" when there is little or no basis for optimism. Ground your assessment in observable facts or preliminary results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem promising" functions as a qualifying adjective modifying an implied or stated noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, using it to express a tentative positive assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem promising" is a versatile expression used to convey cautious optimism or qualified approval. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in English. It functions as an adjective, often modifying results, prospects, or plans. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, according to Ludwig’s analysis, but its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When using "seem promising", it's important to base the positive assessment on tangible evidence rather than mere speculation, avoiding overstatement of potential without proper support. Alternatives such as "look promising" or "show promise" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look promising

Replaces "seem" with "look", offering a slightly more direct observation of potential.

appear promising

Substitutes "seem" with "appear", suggesting a similar sense of initial indication.

show promise

Emphasizes the demonstration of potential rather than the perception of it.

hold promise

Implies that something contains potential that could be realized in the future.

auger well

A more formal and less common way to express that something is a good sign for the future.

bode well

Similar to "auger well", suggesting a favorable omen or indication.

look hopeful

Shifts the focus to the feeling of hope associated with the potential outcome.

appear favorable

Indicates a positive outlook or advantage, often in a more formal context.

shape up well

Suggests that something is developing in a positive direction.

have potential

Focuses on the inherent capacity for growth or success.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem promising" to indicate that something has the potential to be successful or yield positive results. For instance, "The initial results of the study "seem promising"".

What are some alternatives to "seem promising"?

Alternatives include "look promising", "appear promising", or "show promise", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it better to say "seem promising" or "is promising"?

"Seem promising" suggests a degree of uncertainty or preliminary assessment, while "is promising" implies a stronger conviction or more established potential. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Can "seem promising" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "seem promising" is appropriate for formal writing, as it maintains a neutral tone and conveys information without excessive enthusiasm. However, consider using alternatives like "appear favorable" for an even more formal tone.