seem so different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem so different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more things that appear to have significant differences. Example: "When I look at the two paintings side by side, they seem so different in style and color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The trick is to learn how to expand that circle to include others who seem so "different" that, at least at first, we can't see beyond their differences.

Huffington Post

"I thought it was just a 'thing' because personality-wise we seem so different," he said.

The New York Times

Maybe because the choices seem so different, there has been less fall-off in designer sales.

The New York Times

And it's a testament to Helfer's excellent acting that they all seem so different.

The Guardian

The secrets of the two didn't seem so different to me, and still don't.

The Guardian

If a chip could mediate thyroid function, that doesn't seem so different.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But he had seemed so different.

The New York Times - Health

It all seemed so different two months ago.

The Guardian - Sport

A year ago, it all seemed so different.

The New York Times

It had seemed so different in the days after September 11.

The Guardian

That seems so different from the approach in Britain and the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem so different", ensure you clarify the specific aspects in which the compared subjects diverge to provide a clearer understanding for your audience.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that things "seem so different" without specifying the attributes or characteristics that lead to this perception. Providing concrete examples enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem so different" functions primarily as a comparative descriptor, used to highlight the perceived disparities between two or more entities. This phrase indicates a subjective assessment, suggesting that differences are noticeable or striking, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem so different" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a perceived contrast between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, primarily to highlight noticeable differences. While versatile, it's best practice to specify the attributes that contribute to this perception to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "appear quite distinct" or "look very dissimilar" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear quite distinct

Emphasizes the visual or observable differences between items.

look very dissimilar

Focuses specifically on visual dissimilarity.

strike as unalike

Highlights a perceived lack of resemblance.

feel worlds apart

Suggests a significant emotional or experiential gap.

contrast sharply

Emphasizes the degree to which items differ.

diverge significantly

Indicates a notable deviation or departure from a common point.

differ markedly

Stresses the conspicuous nature of the differences.

bear little resemblance

Focuses on the lack of similarity or shared traits.

stand in stark contrast

Highlights the extreme opposition between two things.

present a marked divergence

Underscores the noticeable separation or difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem so different" to compare two or more things that have noticeable differences. For instance, "Although the Amazon and Sahara "seem so different", a lot of the questions are actually very similar."

What are some alternatives to saying "seem so different"?

Alternatives include phrases like "appear quite distinct", "look very dissimilar", or "contrast sharply", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "seem so different"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It accurately conveys the perception of significant differences between subjects.

What's the difference between "seem so different" and "are so different"?

"Seem so different" implies a subjective perception of difference, while "are so different" suggests an objective reality. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing perception or fact.