seem so good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem so good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a perception or impression that something appears to be very positive or satisfactory. Example: "The new restaurant in town seems so good that I can't wait to try it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

De Kooning recalled, "Somehow, that didn't seem so good".

The New Yorker

But when they got out of bed at the end of the trial, it probably didn't seem so good.

Harvard University

If he says it's pretentious, suddenly it doesn't seem so good".

The New York Times

I began talking with Beilock last year after I wrote an article wondering why it is that young children learning the game always seem so good at putting.

The New York Times

The time to really worry, she used to say, is when things seem so good you have nothing to worry about.

MIT Technology Review

Good might never seem so good, nor evil so evil, anywhere else, and one person can don a mask and some tights and protect all from peril.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Pristinely directed by J. R. Sullivan, both plays seem so good-natured that you hardly notice you yourself might be the object of dissection.

The New York Times

Everything seemed so good under the British," said Michael Mo.

The Guardian

It seems so good, so redoubtable, yet I really am against X!

The New Yorker

Sometimes an idea seems so good you can't believe it hasn't been done before.

The Guardian

"She seems so good in her own skin, with her own message.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem so good" to express a subjective positive impression or initial assessment. For example, "The plan seemed so good on paper, but it failed in practice".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "seem so good" without providing concrete reasons or evidence. Instead of saying "The opportunity seemed so good", specify what made it appealing: "The opportunity seemed so good because of the high salary and flexible work hours".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem so good" functions primarily as a qualifier, expressing a subjective assessment or initial impression that something is positive or satisfactory. It indicates that something gives a favorable appearance or impression, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem so good" is a versatile expression used to convey an initial, often subjective, positive impression. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news, academia, and general writing. While expressing an initial positive assessment, it's crucial to provide specific details to substantiate the favorable impression rather than relying solely on the phrase. Alternatives such as "appear very positive" and "look extremely promising" offer nuanced ways to communicate a similar sentiment. By understanding its function and avoiding overuse, writers can effectively use "seem so good" to enrich their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear very positive

Replaces "seem" with "appear" and maintains the positive connotation.

look extremely promising

Uses "look" instead of "seem" and intensifies the positive aspect with "extremely promising".

sound really impressive

Shifts the sense to auditory perception, indicating a favorable impression based on what is heard.

come across as highly favorable

Emphasizes the impression created on others, using more formal language.

strike as particularly advantageous

Highlights the benefit or advantage perceived, using more formal language.

present as exceptionally beneficial

Focuses on the presentation of something as highly useful or advantageous.

feel remarkably good

Changes the sense to an emotional or physical feeling.

register as notably excellent

Implies a formal evaluation or judgment of exceptional quality.

prove to be remarkably effective

Focuses on the demonstrated effectiveness of something over time.

turn out exceptionally well

Emphasizes the positive outcome or result of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem so good" to express that something gives a positive impression. For example, "The solution "seemed so good" at first, but it created new problems".

What are some alternatives to "seem so good"?

Alternatives include "appear very positive", "look extremely promising", or "sound really impressive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "seems so good" or "seem so good"?

"Seem so good" is correct when referring to a general impression or possibility. "Seems so good" is correct when used with a singular subject. For example, "It "seems so good" to be true".

What's the difference between "seem so good" and "is so good"?

"Seem so good" implies an initial or subjective assessment, while "is so good" states a definite quality. "The idea "seemed so good"" suggests initial appeal, but "The idea is so good" asserts its actual merit.