seemed to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seemed to be' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea that appears to be true, but you are not sure. For example: The sky seemed to be getting darker, so we decided to start heading home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deterrence seemed to be working.

The Economist

Nobody seemed to be about.

The New Yorker

That seemed to be that.

The New York Times - Sports

He seemed to be searching.

The New Yorker

Both seemed to be fans.

The New Yorker

He seemed to be laughing.

The New Yorker

seemed to be their question.

The New Yorker

He seemed to be winning.

The New York Times

Everyone seemed to be hungry.

The New York Times - Magazine

He seemed to be perfect.

Independent

Armstrong seemed to be upbeat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seemed to be" when you want to convey uncertainty or a subjective impression, rather than a confirmed fact. For instance, "The solution "seemed to be" working, but we needed more data to be sure".

Common error

Avoid using "seemed to be" repeatedly in your writing, as it can weaken your prose. Replace it with more descriptive verbs when you have enough evidence. For example, instead of "He "seemed to be" angry", use "He scowled" if that's what you observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seemed to be" functions as a linking verb phrase to connect a subject with a descriptive word or phrase, indicating an apparent state or condition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in describing perceptions that may or may not be entirely accurate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seemed to be" is a common and versatile linking verb phrase used to express an appearance or impression that may not be entirely factual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when uncertainty needs to be expressed, to avoid overuse, and to consider stronger, more descriptive verbs when appropriate. While highly prevalent, it is crucial to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeared to be

Indicates a visual impression or initial assessment.

looked to be

Suggests something was determined by visual assessment.

gave the impression of being

Highlights the impression something conveyed, more descriptive.

was apparently

Emphasizes reliance on indirect evidence or hearsay.

was understood to be

Highlights that something was assumed to be true.

was believed to be

Indicates a belief or common opinion, rather than direct observation.

was thought to be

Suggests a less formal or certain assessment.

presented as being

Focuses on how something was presented rather than necessarily being true.

had the semblance of being

Highlights superficial appearance, possibly masking a different reality.

purported to be

Implies a claim that may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

How can I use "seemed to be" in a sentence?

Use "seemed to be" to express an appearance or impression that may not be entirely certain. For example, "The project "seemed to be" on track, but unforeseen challenges arose later."

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

Alternatives include "appeared to be", "looked to be", or "gave the impression of being". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "seemed to be"?

Avoid using "seemed to be" when you can state a fact directly. If you know something is true, it's better to say "It was" instead of "It "seemed to be"". This makes your writing more concise and assertive.

What's the difference between "seemed to be" and "appears to be"?

"Seemed to be" refers to a past impression or appearance, while "appears to be" refers to a current one. For example, "Yesterday, it "seemed to be" raining", but "Today, it "appears to be" sunny".