seem to be increasing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem to be increasing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing trends or observations that appear to be on the rise, often in contexts like statistics, behavior, or phenomena. Example: "The number of participants in the event seem to be increasing each year, indicating growing interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some dangers seem to be increasing.

The Economist

And as arrivals fall, departures seem to be increasing.

The Economist

But it wasn't an isolated event; attacks on educational institutions seem to be increasing.

The Guardian

But the diplomatic tensions surrounding the bill also seem to be increasing its popularity.

The New York Times

And fatalities seem to be increasing: about a third of deaths over the past decade took place in 2017.

The Guardian

In the current environment of protectionist rumblings and more-assertive governments, administrative and political distances seem to be increasing.

Harvard Business Review

But they now seem to be increasing, according to new satellite data analyzed by Dr. Josefino C. Comiso at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

The New York Times - Science

The requests for aid seem to be increasing at many, if not most, of the area's 100 or so private schools.

The New York Times

The many costs of imported water, along with the fear brought on by the drought, does seem to be increasing conservation.

The New Yorker

But now these places -- known mostly to their regulars and determined to keep out what one bartender called the "nonsmoking riffraff" -- seem to be increasing.

The New York Times

The aggressive police tactics that have helped drive down crime now seem to be increasing racial friction and safety concerns throughout minority neighborhoods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem to be increasing" to describe trends or phenomena where a gradual rise is observed or expected, particularly when the increase may not be definitively proven but is strongly suggested by available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to be increasing" when the increase is already definitively proven with concrete data. In such cases, a more direct statement like "is increasing" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to be increasing" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express an observation or perception of a trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something appears to be growing or becoming more prevalent, but without stating it as a definitive fact. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or subjectivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem to be increasing" is a versatile phrase used to express that something appears to be on the rise. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase indicates a perceived trend rather than a definitively proven fact. When writing, ensure that you use this phrase when describing potential upward trends rather than already proven facts. Alternatives like "appear to be rising" or "seem to be growing" can be used to add slight variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be rising

Changes 'seem' to 'appear', offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the meaning of something becoming more noticeable.

appear to be escalating

Substitutes 'increasing' with 'escalating', suggesting a more rapid or dramatic rise in intensity or scope.

seem to be growing

Replaces 'increasing' with 'growing', implying a natural and progressive development over time.

seem to be expanding

Replaces 'increasing' with 'expanding', indicating an extension in size, scope, or influence.

seem to be intensifying

Replaces 'increasing' with 'intensifying', focusing on a rise in strength, emotion, or effect.

appear to be mounting

Substitutes 'seem' with 'appear' and 'increasing' with 'mounting', suggesting an accumulation or build-up of something.

appear to be accumulating

Changes 'seem' to 'appear' and replaces 'increasing' with 'accumulating', emphasizing a gradual collection or gathering.

seem to be surging

Replaces 'increasing' with 'surging', conveying a sudden and powerful increase.

seem to be swelling

Replaces 'increasing' with 'swelling', implying a gradual increase in volume or size, often with a sense of pressure.

appear to be multiplying

Changes 'seem' to 'appear' and replaces 'increasing' with 'multiplying', suggesting a rapid increase in number or quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "seem to be increasing" to describe a trend or situation that appears to be on the rise. For example, "The number of cybersecurity threats "seem to be increasing", requiring stronger protective measures."

What's a good alternative to "seem to be increasing"?

Alternatives include "appear to be rising", "seem to be growing", or "appear to be mounting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seem to be increasing" or "are increasing"?

"Seem to be increasing" suggests an observation or perception of a trend, while "are increasing" implies a confirmed and factual increase. The choice depends on whether you have definitive proof or are simply noting an apparent trend.

In what contexts is "seem to be increasing" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where you want to express that something is likely growing or becoming more common, such as discussing changes in statistics, observable patterns, or potential future developments. It's used when you are not completely certain but have enough evidence to suggest an upward trend.