seem to be affecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem to be affecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the perceived impact or influence of something on a subject or situation. Example: "The recent changes in policy seem to be affecting employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It doesn't seem to be affecting anyone".

The New York Times

It does seem to be affecting his ball toss.

The Guardian - Sport

But the threat doesn't seem to be affecting price projections or crop forecasts.

The New York Times

The cuts in Washington State seem to be affecting local clinics and other community health agencies that serve the poor.

The New York Times

Suddenly, there is an abundance of projects that seem to be affecting the way America's cities think about themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At this stage, ethnocentricity, traditionally a powerful force in Chinese culture, doesn't seem to be affecting the selection of architects.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

And that many men don't seem to be affected by the bites.

The New York Times

Text messaging and data connections did not seem to be affected to the same degree.

The New York Times

The trend for the top 1% share does not seem to be affected.

The Economist

However, even the very rich now seem to be affected by the gloom.

The Economist

Not surprisingly, perhaps, the callers who heard about the $75 gift didn't seem to be affected by it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem to be affecting", ensure that the subject causing the effect is clearly defined and that the nature of the impact is evident from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to be affecting" when there is concrete evidence of a direct impact. In cases where the effect is confirmed, stronger verbs like "is influencing" or "is changing" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to be affecting" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description of its perceived influence. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a perceived impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem to be affecting" is a common and grammatically sound linking verb phrase used to express a perceived impact or influence. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase's frequency is common across various sources, especially News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, clarity is essential; ensure that the subject and the nature of the impact are well-defined. While it's generally neutral in register, avoid overstating certainty when concrete evidence is lacking. The phrase has several related alternatives, such as "appear to be influencing" or "seem to be impacting", which offer subtle variations in emphasis. Finally, remember to adjust the verb conjugation ("seem" vs. "seems") based on the subject's number.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to be influencing

Slightly more direct than 'appear', suggesting a perceived influence.

seem to be impacting

Suggests a tangible or measurable effect.

appear to be influencing

Emphasizes the appearance of influence rather than direct impact.

appear to be impacting

Similar to influencing, but emphasizes a significant effect.

appear to be changing

Highlights the aspect of causing a change or alteration.

seem to be altering

Similar to changing, but with a connotation of modification or adjustment.

seem to be determining

Suggests an influence significant enough to dictate an outcome.

appear to be determining

Suggests a causal relationship where something is deciding an outcome.

seem to be guiding

Suggests a directional effect, leading something towards a specific path.

appear to be guiding

Emphasizes a guiding or directing influence.

FAQs

How can I use "seem to be affecting" in a sentence?

The phrase "seem to be affecting" is used to describe a perceived impact or influence. For example: "The new regulations "seem to be affecting" small businesses negatively."

What are some alternatives to "seem to be affecting"?

You can use alternatives such as "appear to be influencing", "seem to be impacting", or "appear to be changing" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "seems to be affecting" or "seem to be affecting"?

"Seem to be affecting" is used with plural subjects, while "seems to be affecting" is used with singular subjects. For instance, "The policies seem to be affecting the market" versus "The policy seems to be affecting the market."

What's the difference between "seem to be affecting" and "is affecting"?

"Seem to be affecting" suggests a perception or indication of influence, while "is affecting" implies a confirmed or direct impact. The former expresses less certainty than the latter.