seem worried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem worried" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's appearance or behavior in a situation where they appear anxious or troubled. Example: "As she paced back and forth in the waiting room, her furrowed brow and fidgety movements made her seem worried about the results of her medical tests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few people seem worried.

The Economist

But she didn't seem worried.

The New Yorker

Conservative opinion-makers seem worried.

The New York Times

Iowans do not seem worried.

The Economist

But Hopkins didn't seem worried.

The New Yorker

Tomlinson did not seem worried.

The New York Times - Sports

Voters didn't seem worried.

The Washington Post

Trump doesn't seem worried.

The Guardian

He did not seem worried.

The Washington Post

Yasmin didn't seem worried at all.

The New Yorker

Even officials in Hainan seem worried.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem worried" when describing someone's outward demeanor or behavior suggests they are anxious or concerned about something. It's particularly effective when you don't know the specific reason for their worry but can observe its effects.

Common error

Avoid using "seem worried" in a way that directly accuses someone of being worried when they might not be. It's better to use it as an observation of their behavior rather than an assumption about their feelings. Instead of saying 'You seem worried', which can be confrontational, try 'You seem a bit preoccupied'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem worried" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating an apparent state of anxiety or concern. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, describing someone's observable behavior or appearance. For example, "Few people "seem worried"" suggests an outward lack of concern despite a potentially worrying situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem worried" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to describe someone's apparent state of anxiety or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and accepted in English writing. Its strength lies in its descriptive capacity, allowing writers to convey observations about someone's behavior or appearance without making definitive judgments about their internal feelings. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, showcasing its neutral register and broad applicability. While alternatives like "appear concerned" or "look anxious" exist, "seem worried" remains a clear and effective choice for indicating a perceived state of worry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look concerned

Directly conveys that someone's appearance reflects their concern.

appear concerned

Focuses on the outward appearance of being concerned, similar to seeming worried.

look anxious

Emphasizes the visible signs of anxiety in someone's appearance.

appear troubled

Highlights that someone's appearance suggests they are experiencing problems or distress.

look distressed

Indicates a stronger degree of visible distress or suffering.

seem apprehensive

Implies a sense of unease or fear about something that might happen.

appear uneasy

Suggests a lack of comfort or a sense of restlessness.

appear stressed

Indicates visible signs of stress in someone's appearance.

seem agitated

Implies restlessness or a high degree of anxiety.

look fretful

Suggests a state of visible worry or agitation, often about minor matters.

FAQs

How can I use "seem worried" in a sentence?

You can use "seem worried" to describe someone's appearance or behavior that suggests they are anxious or concerned. For example, "She didn't "seem worried" about the upcoming test, even though she hadn't studied."

What are some alternatives to "seem worried"?

Alternatives include "appear concerned", "look anxious", or "appear troubled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems worried" or "seem worried"?

"Seem worried" is generally used with plural subjects (e.g. "They seem worried"), while "seems worried" is used with singular subjects (e.g. "He seems worried"). Both are grammatically correct depending on the subject.

What's the difference between "seem worried" and "be worried"?

"Seem worried" describes an outward appearance, while "be worried" indicates an internal state of anxiety. Someone might "seem worried" without actually "be worried", and vice versa.