seem to approve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem to approve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing an observation or perception about someone's approval or agreement regarding a situation or decision. Example: "The committee members seem to approve of the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Still, voters seem to approve.

The Economist

Bogotanos seem to approve of the principle.

The Guardian

Many seem to approve of Mr Hashimoto's crackdown.

The Economist

Customers seem to approve of their multilingual branches.

The New York Times

But he did not seem to approve of this either.

The New York Times

But he does not seem to approve of the new South Africa.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

On Monday Kardashian West published video of Swift seeming to approve Kanye West's controversial Famous lyric – an approval Swift's camp has been forcefully denying.

The Guardian - Opinion

India's public seems to approve.

The Economist

She seems to approve of Hall.

The Guardian

He even managed to stay calm.The viewers seemed to approve.

The Economist

Their tone was friendly; they seemed to approve.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem to approve" when you want to convey that approval is based on observation or perception, rather than direct confirmation. For example, "The audience members seem to approve of the performance, judging by their applause."

Common error

Avoid treating "seem to approve" as definitive proof of approval. It reflects an impression, not a confirmed fact. Always verify actual approval when necessary, rather than relying solely on appearances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to approve" functions as a verb phrase indicating a perceived or apparent approval. It's used to express that, based on observation, someone or something gives the impression of agreement or acceptance. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem to approve" is a versatile expression used to convey a perceived sense of agreement or endorsement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and readily applicable in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While it implies approval, it is crucial to remember that it represents an impression rather than a confirmed fact.

Alternatives like "appear to endorse" or "look like they agree" can be used to achieve similar effects, with slight variations in formality. When using "seem to approve", always consider the context and avoid misinterpreting perceived approval as definitive agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to be in agreement

Highlights the state of concurrence.

seem to back

A simpler way of saying seem to support

appear to endorse

A more formal alternative emphasizing public support.

express apparent support

Emphasizes the outward expression of backing.

appear to be in favor of

Focuses on the inclination towards something.

look like they agree

A more casual way to express perceived agreement.

give the impression of approval

Highlights the perceived nature of the approval.

show signs of agreement

Indicates observable indications of concurrence.

look favorably upon

Indicates a positive outlook or disposition.

appear to sanction

Suggests formal authorization or permission.

FAQs

How can I use "seem to approve" in a sentence?

You can use "seem to approve" to express that something or someone gives the impression of agreement or acceptance, such as, "The board members "seem to approve" of the new budget proposal."

What can I say instead of "seem to approve"?

You can use alternatives like "appear to endorse", "look like they agree", or "seem to be in agreement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "seem to approve" or "approve"?

"Seem to approve" indicates an impression of approval without definite confirmation, while "approve" denotes explicit agreement or endorsement. Use "approve" when approval is certain, and ""seem to approve"" when it's based on observation.

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

While both convey a similar meaning, ""seem to approve"" suggests a general impression, while "appear to approve" might imply a stronger or more noticeable indication of approval. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.