seemed interminable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seemed interminable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to go on forever or feels excessively long, often in a negative context. Example: "The lecture seemed interminable, dragging on for hours without a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The awards seemed interminable.

The New York Times

The wait at Thom Browne's show seemed interminable.

The New York Times

Both seemed interminable, given the drumming, thudding pain.

The New York Times

Work seemed interminable, the coffee on our floor tasteless.

The New York Times

The wait for the Clinton speech seemed interminable.

The New York Times

To a seventeen-year-old, eighteen years in jail seemed interminable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It seems interminable.

The Guardian - Arts

The longer expository scenes seem interminable.

The New York Times - Arts

The balloting can seem interminable, as the voting continues until one candidate attracts 85 supporters.

The New York Times

But searches for a particular phrase within a text file can seem interminable.

The New York Times - Tech

It's also possible to hear a piece which lasts three minutes and which seems interminable.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seemed interminable" to vividly describe experiences that feel exceptionally long or never-ending, adding a sense of frustration or weariness to your narrative.

Common error

While "seemed interminable" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "protracted" or "extended" if a less subjective tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemed interminable" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something appeared to last for a very long time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing waits, silences, and even training sessions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seemed interminable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that vividly describes something appearing to last an exceptionally long time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to convey a subjective experience of time, often with a negative connotation of tedium or frustration. While versatile, it's wise to avoid overuse in strictly formal writing, opting for more precise synonyms like "protracted". Common alternatives include "felt never-ending" or "appeared endless". Use "seemed interminable" to add depth and emotion to your writing when describing experiences that felt excessively long.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt never-ending

This alternative emphasizes the emotional experience of something lasting a very long time.

appeared endless

This alternative focuses on the visual or perceived lack of an end.

stretched on forever

This suggests a sense of something being prolonged and extended.

dragged on and on

This emphasizes the tedious and unwelcome continuation of something.

seemed to have no end

Focuses on the apparent lack of a conclusion or resolution.

felt like an eternity

Implies a subjective experience of time distortion, making something feel exceptionally long.

seemed to last forever

Highlights the impression of permanence and endlessness.

went on endlessly

This focuses on the action of something continuing without stopping.

was seemingly infinite

Implies a perceived boundlessness or limitlessness in duration.

felt drawn-out

Highlights the impression of something taking longer than necessary, often unpleasantly.

FAQs

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

You can use "seemed interminable" to describe something that felt like it lasted an extremely long time. For instance, "The lecture "seemed interminable", and I struggled to stay awake."

What are some alternatives to "seemed interminable"?

Alternatives include "felt never-ending", "appeared endless", or "dragged on and on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seemingly interminable" instead of "seemed interminable"?

While "seemed interminable" directly describes the subjective feeling of endlessness, "seemingly interminable" implies an appearance of endlessness that may not necessarily be real. They are both grammatically sound, but their meanings are slightly different.

What is the difference between "interminable" and "endless"?

"Interminable" suggests something has or seems to have no end and is often used to describe something tedious or annoying. "Endless" simply means having no end but does not necessarily carry the negative connotation of "interminable".