seem to show

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem to show" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something likely or possibly appears to have a certain meaning or result. Example: The results of the study seem to show that the new vaccine is effective in preventing the virus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interestingly, they also seem to show some complementarity.

Optics Communications

More recent data seem to show a similar trend.

The Economist

Moreover, indexes of poverty seem to show improvement.

The New York Times

Yet these essences never seem to show themselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"None of the statistics seem to show that's true.

The New York Times

NBC's cable channels seem to show inconsequential events.

The New York Times

But we seem to show it a little more".

The New York Times - Sports

Some letters seem to show a weakness of political sense.

The Guardian - Books

More recent studies in Finland seem to show a steep leveling out in recent years.

University of California, Berkeley

Similar arguments that seem to show this also apply to the mental case.

University of California, Berkeley

However, the physical structure did not seem to show any changes after undergoing long term aging.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "seem to show" to present data or observations in a neutral and objective manner, avoiding strong assertions or biases.

Common error

Avoid using "seem to show" when the evidence is conclusive or irrefutable. Overusing it can weaken your argument. Replace with stronger verbs like "prove" or "demonstrate" when the evidence warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem to show" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It indicates that something appears to be the case based on available evidence, but without definitive proof. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses a likely or possible meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem to show" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express a tentative conclusion based on available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for indicating a likely but not definitive interpretation. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine, it conveys objectivity and allows for further investigation. When using "seem to show", be mindful not to overstate the evidence and consider stronger alternatives like "demonstrate" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to indicate

Replaces "seem" with "appear" and "show" with "indicate", offering a slightly more formal tone.

suggest that

Uses a more concise structure, replacing the phrase with a single verb that implies evidence.

imply that

Similar to "suggest that" but conveys a slightly stronger sense of indirect indication.

give the impression of

Focuses on the perceived impression rather than a direct demonstration.

would appear to

Adds a degree of uncertainty or speculation to the observation.

hint at

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion.

evidence suggests

Emphasizes the role of evidence in forming a conclusion.

tend to demonstrate

Highlights a tendency or pattern of demonstration.

bear witness to

Implies direct observation or confirmation of something.

project the image of

Focuses on the projected or perceived image, possibly differing from reality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seem to show" indicates something appears to be the case based on available evidence. For example, "The latest studies "seem to show" a decline in the population of bees."

What are some alternatives to "seem to show"?

You can use alternatives such as "appear to indicate", "suggest that", or "imply that depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "seem to show" or "appears to show"?

Both ""seem to show"" and "appears to show" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "appears to show" might be considered slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "seem to show" and "demonstrate"?

"Seem to show" implies a tentative or possible indication, while "demonstrate" indicates a clear and conclusive proof. Use "demonstrate" when the evidence is strong and irrefutable.