seemed like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seemed like that" is not correct in standard written English. It can be used in informal spoken contexts but is better replaced in writing. Example: "It seemed like that was the best option." Alternative expressions include "seemed like it" and "appeared to be that."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even viewed from behind the kitchen sink of a dilapidated, two-room rented flat in Sheffield, life never seemed like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

It had never seemed like that".

The New Yorker

It seemed like that determined everything.

The New York Times - Sports

"It seemed like that wasn't always necessary to do".

The New York Times

It seemed like that play right there turned everything around".

The New York Times - Sports

Ana hadn't seemed like that kind of woman.

The New Yorker

It seemed like "That Cat!" was too big to fail.

The New Yorker

"It seemed like that would take away the purity," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Aboard the LCIL, D Day hadn't seemed like that to us.

The New Yorker

But I can see how it might have seemed like that to him.

The New York Times

But every climb must start somewhere, and Tuesday seemed like that moment for this franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace "seemed like that" with more grammatically correct alternatives like "appeared to be the case" or "seemed to be so" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "seemed like that" in academic papers or professional reports. Opt for stronger, more precise language that enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemed like that" functions as a qualifier, expressing an impression or appearance. Ludwig AI indicates it's not considered correct in standard written English. However, due to its common usage, especially as indicated by Ludwig's examples, it is understood in many contexts. It often precedes a clause explaining what "seemed" to be the case.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Huffington Post

15%

The New Yorker

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "seemed like that" is widely used, especially in News & Media, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Ludwig AI highlights this point, recommending more precise alternatives such as "appeared to be the case" or "seemed to be so" for professional and academic contexts. Although its frequency is very common, best practice encourages using grammatically sound alternatives, to ensure clarity and credibility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seemed that way

This alternative uses "that way" instead of "like that", providing a subtle shift in phrasing while maintaining the original meaning.

seemed to be so

This option retains the core meaning but replaces "like that" with "to be so" for a slightly more refined tone.

appeared to be the case

This alternative is more formal and grammatically precise, replacing the colloquial "seemed like" with "appeared to be".

it looked that way

Swaps "seemed" for "looked", focusing on visual perception rather than general impression.

it gave the impression that

Expands on the idea of giving an impression, providing more detail about what was perceived.

it gave that impression

Changes the structure to emphasize the impression created, rather than a direct statement of how something appeared.

it suggested as much

This alternative implies a subtle hint or suggestion, rather than a direct appearance.

it felt that way

Focuses on a feeling or sense, rather than an appearance.

it appeared in that manner

A highly formal alternative, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

it presented that appearance

Emphasizes the presentation or outward showing of something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "seemed like that" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "appeared to be the case", "seemed to be so", or "it seemed that way" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "seemed like that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal speech, "seemed like that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal written English. It's better to use more precise and grammatically sound alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use "seemed like that"?

"Seemed like that" is acceptable in casual conversation or informal writing where grammatical precision is not a primary concern. However, avoid it in professional or academic contexts.

How can I improve my sentence structure to avoid using "seemed like that"?

Try rephrasing the sentence to use stronger verbs or more direct statements. For example, instead of "It seemed like that was the best option", you could say "It appeared to be the best option" or "It seemed the best option".