seem that way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem that way" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when you are trying to express that someone's opinion or attitude appears to be a certain way. For example: "I thought you were angry, but it doesn't seem that way now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He did seem that way.

The New Yorker

It might seem that way.

The New York Times

Tolerance F.C.? It would seem that way.

The New York Times

It would seem that way, Hex.

The New York Times

It can certainly seem that way.

The New York Times

It didn't seem that way.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, though, it didn't seem that way.

The New York Times - Sports

It's starting to seem that way.

The New York Times

Or does it just seem that way?

The Guardian - Tech

It did not always seem that way.

The Guardian - Sport

It would certainly seem that way.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, follow "seem that way" with an explanation of why something appears as it does or why the impression might be misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "seem that way" in situations where a more direct or descriptive phrase would be clearer. If you know something is a certain way, don't use "seem that way" as it introduces unnecessary ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The data seems that way incorrect", say "The data is incorrect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem that way" functions as a hedge or qualifier, indicating a subjective impression or appearance rather than an objective fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for expressing perceived attitudes or opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem that way" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of appearance or impression, often with an underlying nuance of potential discrepancy or subjective interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms that "seem that way" is correct and suitable for written English and the numerous examples highlight its prevalent use in news and media, and its rare use in wiki-related context. When using the phrase "seem that way", it's useful to add clarifying information to justify the validity of the statement and avoid potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be so

Emphasizes the apparent nature of something.

give the impression

Focuses on the impression created.

look that way

Highlights the visual aspect of seeming a certain way.

appear in that guise

Suggests a specific form or outward appearance.

create that effect

Points to the effect something produces.

present that appearance

Formal way of describing an outward show.

portray that image

Focuses on the deliberate creation of an image.

suggest that

Implies an indirect indication of something.

indicate as much

A more formal way of saying something suggests a particular conclusion.

convey that idea

Highlights the communication of a particular concept.

FAQs

How can I use "seem that way" in a sentence?

Use "seem that way" to express that something gives a particular impression. For example, "It may "look that way", but the reality is different."

What are some alternatives to "seem that way"?

You can use phrases like "appear to be so", "give the impression", or ""look that way"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seemed like that way" instead of "seem that way"?

While "seemed like that way" might be understandable in informal speech, "seem that way" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted form. It's generally preferable to use the latter in formal writing.

What's the difference between "appear that way" and "seem that way"?

"Appear that way" and "seem that way" are largely interchangeable. Both express a sense of outward presentation or impression. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.