seem to be different

USAGE SUMMARY

'seem to be different' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that two or more things are likely to have different characteristics, qualities, or opinions. For example: The two apples seem to be different - one is green and the other is red.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, both ladies styled their ensembles very differently (and the straps seem to be different sizes), leading us to wonder: Who wore it better?

Huffington Post

They seem to be different.

The Times

But this year does seem to be different.

The Guardian - Opinion

African priorities presently seem to be different, while funds and other facilities are lacking.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

With Islamist militants, however, the sociological dynamics seem to be different.

The New York Times

Things seem to be different in the generation that followed mine.

Independent

"Liquid calories seem to be different, and that's why they're so problematic," Dr. Willett said.

The New York Times

Fact- or trivia-based puzzles like crosswords seem to be different, though.

The New York Times - Science

The literary world might seem to be different at first glance; in truth, it is anything but.

The Guardian - Arts

Based on the collective wisdom of scientists, global warming really does seem to be different from any previous environmental crisis.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although the main human genes have recognizable counterparts in fish, the regulatory genes seem to be different, Dr. Collins said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem to be different", ensure you provide context or explanation regarding the specific aspects in which the items or concepts differ to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to be different" without clarifying the basis of the difference. For instance, instead of saying "The approaches seem to be different", specify "The approaches seem to be different in their methodology and implementation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to be different" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It introduces an element of subjective assessment or preliminary observation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase suggests a perceived difference that may warrant further investigation or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem to be different" is a versatile phrase used to express a perceived distinction, often suggesting further investigation or a degree of uncertainty. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. While its usage is generally neutral, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the nature of the difference. Alternatives like "appear to be distinct" or "appear to vary" offer subtle shifts in emphasis, and while many sources employ this phrase, authoritative outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its acceptability in formal writing. Use this phrase when you want to point out differences that you perceive but may not be definitively proven.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be distinct

Emphasizes a clear and noticeable difference in appearance or nature.

appear to be disparate

Highlights a fundamental lack of compatibility or connection.

appear to diverge

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions or evolving separately.

appear to vary

Stresses the presence of differences across a range or spectrum.

seem to contrast

Highlights the differences when comparing two or more things.

appear to be unlike

States that two things do not resemble each other.

appear to be dissimilar

A more formal way of stating that two things aren't alike.

strike as different

Indicates a subjective impression of dissimilarity.

come across as distinct

Suggests that the difference is noticeable and easily perceived.

present as divergent

Highlights how things or opinions are shown to be moving in different directions.

FAQs

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

You can use "seem to be different" to express a perceived difference between two or more things. For example, "The results of the two experiments "seem to be different", suggesting varying underlying mechanisms".

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

Alternatives include "appear to be distinct", "appear to vary", or "appear to be dissimilar". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "appear to be different" or "seem to be different"?

"Appear to be different" and "seem to be different" are often interchangeable, but "appear" can sometimes imply a more objective observation, while "seem" might suggest a subjective impression. The difference in formality is minimal.

What's the difference between "seem to be different" and "are different"?

"Seem to be different" implies a preliminary assessment or observation, whereas "are different" states a confirmed fact. Using "seem" introduces a degree of uncertainty or a need for further verification.