seem to be doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem to be doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to something that appears to be in the process of being done. For example: The children seem to be doing well in school this semester.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Both seem to be doing swimmingly.

The New York Times - Arts

But we seem to be doing O.K.

The New York Times

Keen doesn't seem to be doing that.

The New York Times

They didn't seem to be doing anything.

The New Yorker

They seem to be doing just that.

The New York Times

I seem to be doing fine.

The Guardian - Film

They seem to be doing modestly well.

The New York Times

Which more and more seem to be doing.

Independent

"They seem to be doing the right things.

The New York Times

The Huttons don't seem to be doing so well.

The New Yorker

And the lawyers seem to be doing very well.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem to be doing" when you want to express an observation or impression without stating it as a definite fact. It implies a degree of uncertainty or reliance on appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to be doing" excessively without offering specific details or context. Provide further explanation or evidence to support your observation and enhance clarity for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "They seem to be doing well", specify what aspects of their performance or progress indicate success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to be doing" functions as a hedge, softening a statement to indicate uncertainty or observation rather than a definitive assertion. It describes an apparent ongoing action or state, as confirmed by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seem to be doing" is a versatile expression used to convey an observation or impression about an ongoing activity, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a hedge, softening statements and indicating a degree of uncertainty. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, with high usage in "News & Media" sources. When writing, it's best to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "appear to be progressing" or "look like they're coping", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be progressing

Focuses on the progress aspect, suggesting a forward movement that is visible.

appear to be managing

Highlights the aspect of handling a situation or task, with an emphasis on competence.

look to be succeeding

Emphasizes a positive outcome and a visible indication of success.

appear to be functioning

Focuses on the basic operation and state of being active or working.

appear to be faring

Indicates how someone or something is getting along or progressing, often in challenging circumstances.

appear to be getting along

Highlights the progress of people working together. Focuses on compatibility and cooperation.

look like they're coping

Emphasizes the aspect of managing difficulties, implying resilience.

appear to be working out

Highlights the aspect of reaching a successful outcome or solution.

look as if they're handling it

Suggests the approach to handling something efficiently.

appear to be on track

Focuses on remaining on a planned course or trajectory.

FAQs

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

Use "seem to be doing" to express an observation or impression about an ongoing activity or state. For example, "The students "seem to be doing" well on their exams" or "The project "seem to be doing" progress smoothly".

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

Alternatives include "appear to be progressing", "look like they're coping", or "appear to be managing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seem to be doing" in formal writing?

Yes, "seem to be doing" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a neutral phrase that conveys an observation or impression without strong emphasis.

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

"Seem to be doing" implies an observation or impression, suggesting that something appears to be happening in a certain way but may not be definitively confirmed. "Are doing" is a more direct statement of fact.