seem so

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem so" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to express a feeling that a particular thing is likely to be true, or will likely happen. For example, "The weather forecast looks so bad; I think it's going to rain - seems so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It wouldn't seem so.

The New York Times

They seem so distant.

The New York Times - Books

Would seem so.

The New York Times - Magazine

It doesn't seem so.

The New Yorker

You seem so sweet.

The New York Times - Arts

Doesn't seem so.

The New York Times

You don't seem so".

The New York Times

Few, however, seem so certain.

The New York Times

It doesn't seem so difficult.

The New York Times

They always seem so shocked".

Independent

LIFE can seem so unjust.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem so" to express an observation or conclusion that is based on available information but not definitively proven. For example: "Given the evidence, it would "seem so"."

Common error

Avoid using "seem so" excessively in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise language that reflects a higher degree of certainty or analysis. Alternatives include "it appears that" or "the evidence suggests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem so" functions as an epistemic marker, indicating a degree of uncertainty or probability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it suggests a belief based on available information but without absolute certainty. This is visible in examples like "It would certainly seem so."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem so" is a versatile construction used to express a qualified agreement or a tentative conclusion based on the available information. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While "seem so" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives such as "it seems that" or "appear to be". The phrase's primary function is to convey a sense of probability or likelihood without asserting absolute certainty. Understanding its appropriate usage enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems that

More common alternative, conveying a similar sense of likelihood or probability.

appear to be

Emphasizes a visual impression or outward appearance, differing from "seem so" which can also imply an internal assessment.

it would appear

Adds a level of tentativeness or politeness to the statement.

appear to be the case

More formal and specific, suggesting that something is probably true based on evidence.

look like

Similar to "appear to be" but more informal, focusing on visual similarity.

give the impression

Focuses on the impression created rather than a direct assessment of truth.

one might think

Expresses a potential but not necessarily accurate perception.

suggest that

Implies indirect evidence or a hint towards something being true.

indicate that

More formal and evidence-based, implying that something is true based on concrete indicators.

as far as one can tell

Introduces a condition of limited knowledge or observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem so" to express an apparent truth or likely situation based on available information. For example, "Given the current trends, it would "seem so" that remote work will become even more prevalent."

What are some alternatives to "seem so"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "it seems that", or "it would appear". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "seem so"?

Yes, "seem so" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. However, ensure it fits the tone and formality of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "seem so" instead of "seems so"?

"Seem so" is generally used after a modal verb like "would", "could", or "might", or in response to a question. "Seems so" is less common and might be perceived as grammatically awkward in most contexts.