seem to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express an impression or perception about something that may not be certain or definite. Example: "They seem to be enjoying the party, laughing and chatting with everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many here seem to.

The Economist

Regulators seem to agree.

The New York Times

Others seem to disagree.

The New York Times

Voters seem to agree.

The New York Times

Few seem to care.

The Economist

Investors seem to agree.

The New York Times

Copenhageners seem to agree.

The New York Times - Arts

Clients seem to agree.

The Economist

Experts seem to agree.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't seem to die.

The New Yorker

Yet problems seem to persist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem to" to express uncertainty or a tentative observation rather than a definitive statement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "seem to" in formal or academic writing. Overuse can make your assertions appear weak or unsupported. Strengthen your claims with more direct language and concrete evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to" functions as a modal auxiliary verb expressing an impression or appearance. It indicates that something appears to be the case, although it may not be definitively known. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct way to express an impression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem to" is a versatile phrase used to express impressions and tentative observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for various contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing to maintain a strong and confident tone. Remember that while "appear to" and "look like" serve as viable alternatives, "seem to" remains a valuable tool for conveying uncertainty and subjective perceptions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to

This alternative suggests a visual impression or outward appearance.

appear as if

This alternative implies a stronger sense of making a judgment based on available evidence.

look like

Similar to "appear to", but often relies more on visual assessment.

give the impression of

Focuses on the effect created rather than just appearance.

strike as

Indicates a particular feeling or thought that comes to mind.

come across as

Describes how someone or something is perceived by others.

suggest

Indicates that something implies a particular conclusion or idea.

indicate

Similar to 'suggest', but may imply a more explicit sign or hint.

hint at

Subtly suggest something without stating it directly.

intimate

Indirectly suggest or hint at something, often something delicate or sensitive.

FAQs

How do I use "seem to" in a sentence?

Use "seem to" to express an impression or perception, indicating something appears to be a certain way. For example, "They "seem to" be enjoying the party" suggests the speaker's observation about the partygoers.

What can I say instead of "seem to"?

You can use alternatives like "appear to", "look like", or "give the impression of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seem to be" or "seem like"?

"Seem to be" is generally more grammatically correct. "Seem like" is more informal. For example: "It "seems to be" raining" is more appropriate for formal writing than "It seems like it's raining".

What's the difference between "seem to" and "appear to"?

While both ""seem to"" and "appear to" indicate an impression, "appear to" often implies a more visual or outward observation, while "seem to" can refer to a broader sense of perception or understanding.