seemed attainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seemed attainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appeared to be achievable or within reach at a certain point in time. Example: "At the beginning of the project, our goals seemed attainable, but as we progressed, we realized they were more challenging than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It seemed attainable".

The New York Times - Sports

And those riches seemed attainable.

The Economist

The moon itself seemed attainable.

The New York Times

World records in spring competitions seemed attainable.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was something we needed while the actualisation of Biafra seemed attainable.

The Guardian

Yet relevance seemed attainable just last year, in the brief but optimistic days when Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut appeared to be a strong candidate, and a primary victory in his home state might have made a fine platform for declaring a broader victory on Super Tuesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Both seem attainable goals given Gordy's achievements so far.

The Guardian

Karlovic's goals are clear and seem attainable.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to be her," Drury says, and the encounter somehow made the goal seem attainable.

The New Yorker

A bold statesman, Kaplan tells us, "never makes foolhardy bets based on hope" but sticks close to what seems attainable.

The New York Times - Books

Everyone has dreams – whether or not they seem attainable in a place where decent work has disappeared is another matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seemed attainable" to describe a past perception of possibility, especially when the reality turned out to be different. It subtly introduces an element of potential misjudgment or changed circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "seemed attainable" when you mean something is currently attainable. The phrase indicates a past assessment, not a present reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemed attainable" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a past perception of feasibility. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seemed attainable" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing something that, at a given moment, appeared to be achievable. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is valid and well-suited for various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, suggesting its use in describing goals, plans, or aspirations that were once viewed optimistically. However, it's important to note that the phrase often carries an implication that the actual outcome may have diverged from the initial perception. To avoid confusion, ensure the phrase is used accurately to reflect a past assessment rather than a current state. While the frequency of "seemed attainable" is classified as uncommon, its presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeared achievable

Replaces "seemed" with "appeared" maintaining a similar sense of initial impression.

looked feasible

Substitutes both words to focus on the apparent practicality and workability.

felt within reach

Changes the verb and adjective to emphasize the sense of proximity and accessibility.

was apparently possible

Replaces the adjective with a more explicit statement of possibility, adding emphasis.

presented as viable

Focuses on the way something was presented, suggesting a calculated appearance.

gave the impression of being obtainable

Expresses the idea of attainability indirectly through the impression created.

seemed like a realistic goal

Highlights the practicality and grounded nature of the objective.

looked like a sure thing

Uses an idiom to suggest high confidence in the potential for success.

held the promise of success

Shifts the focus to the potential and hopeful outlook associated with the situation.

seemed to be on the horizon

Emphasizes the anticipation and expectation of something coming closer.

FAQs

How can I use "seemed attainable" in a sentence?

Use "seemed attainable" to describe a goal or objective that, in the past, appeared achievable. For example, "At first, climbing the mountain "seemed attainable", but the weather quickly changed".

What's a good alternative to "seemed attainable"?

Alternatives include "appeared achievable", "looked feasible", or "felt within reach". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seemed attainably"?

No, "attainably" is not a standard adverb. The correct form is "seemed attainable", where "attainable" is an adjective describing what "seemed" to be true.

What does "seemed attainable" imply about the actual outcome?

"Seemed attainable" often implies that the goal, while initially appearing possible, ultimately proved more difficult or even impossible to achieve. It suggests a difference between perception and reality.